LOSFA Outreach Programs to raise awareness about college access in Louisiana and postsecondary financial aid opportunities

LOSFA Outreach Programs
Programs and events LOSFA hosts or supports to raise awareness about college access in Louisiana and postsecondary financial aid opportunities

Trailblazer Program

The Trailblazer Program is a unique approach to training high school students about the availability of financial aid as a means of access to postsecondary education. The program includes a comprehensive three-day training workshop, presented on a college campus by LOSFA personnel and other financial aid professionals for the purpose of educating selected high school juniors about the college admissions process and how to obtain financial assistance for college. One student is nominated by each public and non-public high school in the state. Under the direct supervision of the high school guidance counselor, each Trailblazer is expected to use every opportunity to share knowledge of financial aid procedures with peers throughout their senior year of high school. Each Trailblazer is given a manual outlining all aspects of the federal and state financial aid programs available.
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Guidance Counselor Workshops

Each Fall, LOSFA conducts half-day workshops for high school guidance counselors at a minimum of seven locations around the state. These workshops are designed to update counselors about the student financial aid process so they can best assist their students in preparing for their crucial first year of college. At each workshop, LOSFA representatives and financial aid professionals instruct counselors on the latest changes to both federal and state aid programs, completion of the FAFSA and other LOSFA services. During the 2008-09 school year LOSFA introduced workshops for middle school guidance counselors. These workshops are designed to provide middle school counselors with some tools and resources to promote early college and career awareness.

Telephone Assistance

LOSFA employs a staff of public information specialists who are available to assist students and parents via telephone from 8:00 AM until 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. To utilize this service, call 1-800-259-5626, extension 1012.

High School Presentations and Workshops

LOSFA annually provides presenters for individual high school financial aid workshops for parents and students. In Academic Year 2004-2005, LOSFA conducted financial aid and college access workshops at 156 individual high schools and 19 multi-high school events that were attended by 68,304 students and parents. To schedule a presentation, call 1-800-259-5626, extension 1012.
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College Goal Sunday

College Goal Sunday is coming to Louisiana in 2008. College Goal Sunday is a FREE event designed to help Louisiana college bound students and their families with the financial aid application process. Financial Aid professionals will be on hand to help complete the necessary paperwork (Free Application for Federal Student Aid—FAFSA) to get the funding needed to go to college with a particular focus on helping low-income, first-generation college student families.