Federal flexibility allows Louisiana to direct funding toward high-quality tutoring vouchers
BATON ROUGE, La. — The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) is matching the state’s $5 million investment in the Steve Carter Tutoring Program for the 2025–2026 school year. This brings the total investment in the program this year to $10 million.
Thanks to federal funding flexibilities recently emphasized by the U.S. Department of Education, the LDOE will contribute $5 million in federal funds to support students who need academic help outside of the school day. The Louisiana Legislature allocated $5 million for the program during the 2025 Regular Session.
Now in its third year, the Steve Carter Tutoring Program has experienced increased demand and operated with a waitlist. This year’s $5 million state appropriation, combined with the LDOE’s dedicated $5 million allocation, will ensure students currently enrolled in the program are supported while expanding access for many families on the waitlist. The LDOE’s additional investment will allow more students to receive services and help reduce the number of families waiting for support.
“This is an example of what can happen when states are empowered to invest federal dollars based on their local priorities,” said Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “Thanks to Secretary McMahon’s commitment to local decision-making, we’re able to support high-quality tutoring that positively impacts Louisiana students.”
About the Steve Carter Tutoring Program
The Steve Carter Tutoring Program offers digital vouchers to families of eligible K–12 public school students. These funds can be used to purchase high-quality tutoring in literacy or math. All tutoring providers are vetted and approved by the LDOE, offering virtual or in-person options.
Statewide Tutoring Efforts
Louisiana was one of the first states to leverage high-dosage tutoring statewide to help close pandemic learning gaps. This investment has been a key factor in Louisiana’s unprecedented academic progress, moving from 49th in 2019 to 32nd now on The Nation’s Report Card.
The Steve Carter Tutoring Program is part of the larger Louisiana Tutoring Initiative, which provides high-quality tutoring both during and outside of the school day. While the Steve Carter program serves students after school, Accelerate: High-Dosage Tutoring supports K–5 students during the school day.