The Board of Supervisors approved a new need-based financial aid program March 9 that will benefit some incoming freshmen and transfer students from Louisiana. The University plans to launch the Pelican Promise program this fall. The program intends to complement existing scholarships and financial aid, such as TOPS. Mandy Hoffman, assistant director for the Office of Student Aid and Scholarships, said the program provides financial aid that can be used for additional expenses not covered by TOPS and other scholarships, including room and board, transportation and books. Hoffman said the program, which is funded through the University, will assist students who don’t have the means to enroll in higher education.
“It is made to put LSU in the position to students where LSU is accessible and affordable to all students in Louisiana,” she said. Daniel Kemp, finance junior, said the Pelican Promise will push Louisiana’s education level in an “upward movement” if the program is successful. Students must meet several requirements to qualify for the Pelican Promise financial aid. “The Pelican Promise, in its initial phase, will be open to first year and transfer students from Louisiana whose family income is equal to or less than 150 percent of the poverty level and eligible for a federal Pell Grant,” Hoffman said. Students must also meet the University’s academic admission standards. Kemp said he doesn’t think the program will benefit many students because the demographic of students that qualify for the financial aid seems small. Hoffman said the University is initiating outreach efforts to inform students about the program through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
—–Contact Angelle Barbazon [email protected]