Louisiana Giving All True Opportunity to Rise (LA GATOR) Scholarship

Eligibility for this program is rolling out in three phases, though the state has set no timeline. Students may participate via in-person, virtual, or hybrid learning. In phase one, students must meet one of the following criteria: prior participation in the Student Scholarships for Educational Excellence Program (SSEEP), a voucher; entering kindergarten; enrolled in a public school the previous year; or have a family income below 250% of the FPL. Former participants in SSEEP, which ended with the conclusion of the 2024-2025 school year, receive priority. Phase two expands eligibility to include students from families earning up to 400% of the FPL. Phase three makes eligibility universal, giving equal priority to students in the School Choice Program for Certain Students with Exceptionalities and those under 250% of the FPL. To qualify for that program, students must meet specific special education and residency criteria. The account cap among participants depends on whether they have certain qualifying disabilities, and whether their household income was above or below 250% of the FPL. Accounts will be funded quarterly, and the Louisiana legislature approved $43.5 million for this program for 2025-2026. Unused funds roll over annually. 

Funding Mechanism: Legislative appropriation 

Universal Eligibility: ✅
Universal Usage: ✅
Universal Funding: ❌
Truly Universal: ❌

(Last updated December 16, 2025)

Students enrolled in the LA GATOR program will have a wide array of educational options. Families may choose to use the funds on tuition and fees at nonpublic school or for nonpublic online learning programs; curricula and textbooks or other instructional materials including supplemental materials required by a school or provider; tuition, fees, materials, and exam fees at career and technical schools; fees for the Louisiana Educational Assessment Program (LEAP) tests, national norm-referenced exams, AP exams, or college admissions tests; educational services and therapies including occupational and behavioral, physical, speech-language, and audiology; tuition and fees for dual enrollment at postsecondary institutions; and any other educational expenses approved by the state board. Beginning in the 2025–2026 school year, students participating in the program who intend to use funds for only one participating school or service provider may enroll in LA GATOR. 

(Last updated December 16, 2025)

View program requirements for parents, schools, and scholarship granting organizations by clicking on each hyperlink.

(Last updated December 16, 2025)

R.S. 17:236(A), 17:3996(B)(82), 17:4014, 17:4037.1-17:4037.12, 17:5029(F), and 39:1554(U)

(Last updated April 21, 2025)