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What is the LA Gator Scholarship?Louisiana Giving All a True Opportunity to RiseThis new school choice program enacted by the Louisiana legislature in June 2024 will for the first time ever provide education scholarship accounts (ESA) to Louisiana families. These scholarship accounts can be used toward:
- school tuition and fees
- tutoring
- educational therapies
- textbooks and curriculum
- uniforms
- transportation
How Can LA Gator Benefit My Family?
Student Eligibility Criteria:
For a student to be eligible for an ESA, the student must be a resident of Louisiana and meet one of the following:- Participated in the Louisiana Scholarship Program previous school year
- Entering kindergarten
- Enrolled in a public school the previous school year
- From a family with total income at or below 250% of federal poverty guidelines
Student Prioritization Criteria:
Funding is subject to annual legislative appropriation of state funds. If allocated funds are insufficient to fund all eligible students, awards shall be prioritized as follows:- Students currently participating in the Louisiana Scholarship Program or LA GATOR
- Students from a family with a total income at or below 250% of the federal poverty guidelines and students identified as having a disability under IDEA
- Students who are entering Kindergarten or entering JGS School from public school.
- Other eligible students
Tips for Preparing for the LA GATOR Student Application
Student applications for the 2025-2026 school year will open on March 1 and will be available at lagator.la.gov. The deadline to apply is April 15, 2025.
Although the application takes less than five minutes to complete online or on a mobile device, here’s how you can prepare in advance:
Check Your Eligibility:
- Review the LA GATOR eligibility requirements to ensure you qualify.
- Use the eligibility pre-screener to check your status. Please note that this is not the official application—you must still submit the full application when it opens on March 1.
Gather Required Documents and Information:
Residency Proof: State ID or Driver’s License + any two (2) of the below items:
- Utility bill (electric, water, gas)
- Mortgage statement (past year)
- Bill of sale
- Lease agreement
Any combination is acceptable, including two (2) different utility bills
Income*:
- 1040 Tax Form (2023 or 2024 Federal Taxes)
Student Documents:
- Child’s Birth Certificate
Other Necessary Information:
- Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) (Parent/Guardian)
- Social Security Number (SSN) (Each student applying)
- LASID Number (for special education students; this an be found on the valid evaluation and/or IEP developed by a Local Educational Agency.)
What are the eligibility Income Guidelines?
Families who fall at or below the 250% of Poverty Guideline will meet the income eligibility requirement. Families who fall within this income range are encouraged to apply for the LA Gator Scholarship as soon as possible. -
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LA Gator Support
The public can access new LA GATOR communications supports at:
· Webpage: lagator.la.gov
· Call Center: 225-422-1538
· Email Help Desk: [email protected]
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