Federal LEAP funding has been eliminated for the 2011-2012 academic year. State matching funds that would normally have supplemented the Federal LEAP Program have been allocated to schools to be used as need-based aid. This need-based aid program has been named the State Matching Funds Grant. There is no minimum award, but the maximum annual award remains at $2,000. Emphasis is placed on awarding students with the greatest amount of unmet need.

 

Standard Eligibility Requirements

- Be a U.S. citizen or national or eligible non-citizen
- Register with Selective Service, if required
- Be a resident of Louisiana for at least one year prior to July 1st of the award year
- Annually submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Renewal FAFSA by the deadline set by the school
- Have a high school diploma with at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average or a minimum average score of 450 on the GED Test or an ACT composite score of at least 20 or a postsecondary school GPA of at least 2.00 from the most recent term
- Be certified as a full-time undergraduate student in an eligible program at an eligible institution and be selected by the eligible institution for receipt of the award.
- Have substantial financial need of at least $199
- Be in compliance with the terms of other federal and state student aid programs that are administered by LASFAC, which the applicant may be receiving
- Not be in default of an educational loan
- Not have a criminal conviction, except for misdemeanor traffic violations
- Agree that the award proceeds will be used exclusively for educational expenses

Renewal Requirements

- Continue to meet all initial eligibility requirements listed above
- Maintain a cumulative postsecondary grade point average of at least 2.00 calculated on a 4.00 scale by the conclusion of the academic year (Spring term)

How to Apply

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid no later than July 1st
2. Contact the Financial Aid Office of your postsecondary institution and inquire about the State Matching Funds Grant.
NOTE: The Post Secondary Institution may establish additional criteria!

  State Matching Funds Grant

 

Transfer Degree Guarantee (TDG): A CLEAR PATH TO SUCCESS The Transfer Degree Guarantee helps students to easily transfer from a 2-year or community college to a 4-year university in the state of Louisiana. It provides guidance and saves time and money. TDG ensures that a community college student can transfer to a Louisiana 4-year public university and immediately enroll with Junior-level status in most majors. Whether you are a student, advisor, counselor or parent the following site provides you with detailed information regarding the TDG: http://www.latransferdegree.org