LA GATOR Scholarship Program Policy
During the 2024 Regular Legislative Session, Act 1 created the Louisiana Giving True Opportunity to Rise (LA GATOR) Scholarship Program to provide educational savings accounts for parental choice in K-12 education. Act 1 required revisions to Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) policy contained in Bulletin 133 - Scholarship Programs. LA GATOR Scholarship Program policy can be downloaded or viewed below.
Student Application Process
The LDOE shall commence accepting online student applications no later than March 1, 2025, for the 2025-2026 school year. For the 2026-2027 school year and beyond, online applications will be accepted beginning with a date specified by the LDOE to facilitate efficient administration and participation in the program.
An online application must be completed and submitted according to procedures, including the provision of information and deadlines, set by the LDOE.
If an application is denied, the LDOE shall notify the applicant, outlining the reasons for the denial and steps to rectify the submission and appeal the denial.
If an application is approved so that a student is deemed eligible, then an account will be awarded except as limited by the legislative appropriation.
The LDOE shall inform the account holder, at the time of the participating student’s initial entry into the program and at the beginning of the student's school year in grades eight through twelve, of the eligibility requirements for the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students for participating students as provided in R.S. 17:5029(F).
An applicant may apply annually to the program, except for an account that has been terminated pursuant to §1513.A.4 of this Chapter.
Existing account holders must submit an annual renewal application according to procedures established by the LDOE to ensure continued eligibility according to program requirements. Failure to annually reaffirm participation may result in a suspension of quarterly funding allocation to the account.