Calling all Education Advocates!
State Representative Matthew Willard graciously sponsored legislation that we presented to him. It has become HB52 of the 2025 legislative session! The bill has unanimously passed in the House of Representatives and is moving to the Senate!
The Cowen Institute has strategized and organized, and now, we need YOU to mobilize! Below are two ways to support the legislation. Please complete the form below to confirm your involvement.
In-Person
When: Wednesday, May 14, 2925
Where: Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge
Who: You and any Louisiana high school senior or graduate who is willing to advocate in support of high schools helping students with accessing grants and scholarships.
How: Submit a green witness card of support or a white witness card of neutrality for HB No. 52 that specifies your support of students receiving in-school help and education about applying for scholarships, grants, and loans to fund education after high school. Resource: Citizen’s Guide to House Committee Meetings
Virtually
When: Any time before 8:00 AM on Wednesday, May 14, 2025
How: Via email to seduc@legis.la.gov + BCC nola_ccan@tulane.edu
Relevant talking points are bulleted below.
Who: You and any Louisiana high school senior or graduate who is willing to advocate in support of high schools helping students with accessing grants and scholarships.
Students are encouraged to detail how in-school financial aid support was crucial to their understanding, access, and award of grants, scholarships, and wise loan decisions (if applicable).
Note: Statements must be received by the committee secretary at least four hours prior to the meeting to be included in the record.
The Why:
Students are more likely to apply for grants, scholarships, and loans when they have the in-school support to do so prior to graduation.
Education after high school for many Louisianans simply wouldn’t be attainable without financial aid—many of the funding sources from the federal government.
College affordability increases the pursuit of postsecondary education, which increases the GDP and home values in Louisiana, improves incomes, expands the tax base, and generates more jobs throughout the economy (source with specific numbers).
Maintain the relevance and awareness of FAFSA in Louisiana high schools.
Louisiana finished #2 in the nation for FAFSA completions in 2024; as of 5/5/25, Louisiana is #27.
For the high school class 0f 2024, $47 million went unclaimed by Louisiana students who were eligible but did not complete the FAFSA.
For more education bills to watch, click here. *Email nola_ccan@tulane.edu if you have questions*