The Louisiana Department of Education says it is investing $2 million in pandemic relief funds to provide high school sophomores and seniors with vouchers to take an upcoming ACT®.
While Louisiana has offered the ACT® free of charge to high school juniors, the department says the Louisiana ACT® NOW program will extend vouchers to eligible students in grades 10 and 12.
"This use of pandemic relief funds removes financial barriers and opens doors for our students," said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. "This additional testing opportunity could be life-changing for some students. An improved ACT® score can make college more affordable and expand a student's post secondary options."
The ACT® is used for college admissions and access to scholarships and financial aid, including TOPS.
LDOE said that Louisiana's Class of 2020 earned an average ACT® Composite score of 18.7. Louisiana's score is at an all-time low since the state granted all students access to the test in 2013. The number of seniors earning a college-going ACT® score also dipped for the third consecutive year.
The Department will begin working with school systems this week to provide additional information on submitting voucher requests for eligible sophomores and seniors.
Vouchers can be used for the April 17, June 12 or July 17 administrations this school year. Students must meet the registration deadline. Any late registration fees will be the responsibility of the student. ACT® NOW is being funded through $2 million from the Governor's Emergency Education Relief Fund.
"I appreciate Governor Edwards for honoring my request to fund this opportunity for students," said Dr. Brumley. "His support has allowed this program to quickly move forward."
Students in grade 12 are eligible for an ACT® voucher if all of these apply:
- The student has not earned an ACT® score that qualifies them for college admissions or TOPS, or who are seeking an opportunity to enhance their current level of TOPS Tech, TOPS Opportunity, TOPS Performance, TOPS Honors, or to seek other merit-based scholarship opportunities.
- The student is on target to complete all coursework necessary to graduate no later than August 31, 2021.
- The student is on target to meet all state assessment graduation requirements no later than August 31, 2021
Students in grade 10 are eligible for an ACT® voucher if:
- The student requires an ACT® score to qualify for enrollment in a Dual Enrollment program or other academic program(s) that require an ACT® score.
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