Schools that have scheduled a FAFSA Completion event with LOSFA should contact their assigned LOSFA representative ahead of their event to discuss the status of the FSA website. Events may need to be rescheduled if the FSA website is unavailable.
LOSFA is also available to provide FAFSA-related assistance to students and parents:
FAFSA Assistance Virtual Office Hour sessions – one-on-one assistance with FAFSA Completion
GeauxFAFSA@la.gov – email FAFSA-related questions to LOSFA staff
Request a LOSFA Event
The Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA) provides several Outreach (group) Events, Seminars and Workshops for schools, institutions, and organizations. These events can be delivered virtually and in-person.
Events can be scheduled Monday through Friday beginning at 8 a.m. and must end by 7 p.m. If you have any questions concerning scheduling an event, please e-mail losfa.scheduling@la.gov
When requesting an event, please choose three option dates within a 30-day time frame window (at least 30 days from date of request submission). The events coordinator will reach out to you regarding available dates once form is received. Every effort will be made to accommodate the first option date, but it is not guaranteed.
If requesting an in-person event, the following shall be observed:
- Masks are recommended but not required
- LOSFA representatives may or may not wear masks, depending on their personal preference and comfort level
If you have any questions concerning scheduling an event, please e-mail losfa.scheduling@la.gov or call 225-219-1012.
Types of Events
TOPS Seminar
This seminar provides information on Louisiana’s Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS). This seminar includes information on program requirements in high school and continuation requirements once students enter postsecondary education institutions. It is usually conducted in 20-30 minutes.
FAFSA® Seminar
This seminar provides information on completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). A Completion Workshop assists parents and students when completing the FAFSA; this seminar provides information. It is usually conducted in 15 minutes.
TOPS & FAFSA® Seminar
This seminar provides information on Louisiana’s Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) as well as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It is usually conducted in 30-40 minutes.
START and START K-12 Seminar
This seminar provides information on START and START K-12 savings plans. The START college savings plan helps families save for college expenses. START K-12 savings plan allows families to save for tuition expenses related to attendance at eligible Louisiana schools that provide kindergarten through twelfth-grade instruction. Attendees will also receive information on investment options and how to open an account. Please note: You must be at least 24 years old or an independent student to open START or START K-12 accounts. (45 minutes)
ABLE Seminar
This seminar provides information on the Louisiana Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account program. The Louisiana Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account program allows individuals and families to save private funds to support persons with disabilities in endeavors to maintain health, independence, and quality of life. Attendees will receive information on the ABLE account program and how to open an account. (30 minutes)
Louisiana Savings Plans Seminar
This seminar provides information on Louisiana’s savings plans, including START, START K-12, and ABLE. The START college savings plan helps families save for college expenses. START K-12 savings plan allows families to save for tuition expenses related to attendance at eligible Louisiana schools that provide kindergarten through twelfth-grade instruction. The Louisiana Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account program allows individuals and families to save private funds to support persons with disabilities in endeavors to maintain health, independence, and quality of life. Attendees will receive information on each program and how to open an account. (60 minutes)
Financial Aid Seminar
This seminar provides information on all types of Financial Aid including federal, state, military and private sources for financial aid. This seminar can also include information on TOPS and FAFSA information. It is usually conducted in 50-60 minutes.
TOPS Retention Seminar
This seminar is usually held at postsecondary education institutions catering to students who were awarded TOPS. Students will also receive information on how to avoid cancellation and/or suspension of their TOPS Award as they matriculate through their postsecondary education institutions.
Browse Session
This is neither a seminar nor a workshop. A browse session is usually held at a college fair or expo. Students and/or parents will be able to approach a LOSFA representative with questions on TOPS, Financial Aid and College Access information.
Louisiana College Application and Access Month (LCAAM)
The purpose of LCAAM is to assist 12th-grade students with navigating the complex college admissions process and to ensure that they apply to at least one postsecondary institution of interest. Schools have the opportunity to invite families to attend and to take advantage of completing and submitting college applications with their students. LCAAM events may include college applications, career searches, employment applications, military searches and military applications.
FSA ID Completion Workshop
LOSFA representatives will assist both students and parents in creating their FSA ID at this workshop. The FSA ID is a combination of a username and password required to submit the FAFSA. Students and parents must have verified FSA IDs (this process will take 1-3 days) prior to starting the FAFSA. Students and parents will need access to their cell phones to create their FSA IDs.
FAFSA® Completion Workshop
Students and parents will receive support completing their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). LOSFA Representatives will be providing step-by-step assistance during this workshop. Both students and parents will need to bring their verified FSA IDs and tax return information from two years prior. For example, if a student is entering college as a freshman in the fall semester of 2025; students and parents need to bring tax information from 2023. Students and parents will also need access to their cell phones to log in to the studentaid.gov website.
TOPS Checkup
This workshop monitors students’ progress towards earning a TOPS award by reviewing high school transcripts and test scores. Students will also receive information regarding the TOPS processing cycle. Students must be provided with a copy of their high school transcript to participate in this workshop. (60 minutes)
College Acceptance/Award Recognition Day
As a follow-up to Louisiana College Application and Access Month (LCAAM), students who have been accepted to a college will be formally recognized in existing school award ceremonies.
M.J. Foster Promise Program Seminar
This seminar provides information on the M.J. Foster Promise Program for Louisiana residents ages 21 years or older. This seminar covers program eligibility and continuation requirements once students enter postsecondary education institutions. It is usually conducted in 20-30 minutes.
College Commitment and Attainment Month (CCAM)
As an extension of Louisiana College Application and Month (LCAAM), College Commitment and Attainment Month (CCAM) will focus on helping students transition to postsecondary education after high school graduation by addressing what happens after receiving an acceptance letter. LOSFA representatives will assist students through webinars, resources, and presentations to navigate common hurdles that affect the first-year transition to postsecondary institutions. Resources and presentations include comparing postsecondary institutions for match & fit, financial aid verification, scheduling courses, transfer credits, campus resources, career exploration, and summer planning.
Other (Please Specify):
If your dreams include anything with college access for your students, LOSFA will be able to help. Some examples of seminars/workshops: Scholarship Searches, How to create a Student Hub Account, etc..
