Bill would expand literacy curriculum to include financial aid
By Nolan McKendry | The Center Square
A bill aimed at helping Louisiana high school students better understand how to pay for college or technical education is moving forward at the Capitol.
House Bill 52, authored by Rep. Matthew Willard, D-New Orleans, was reported favorably without objection by the House Education Committee this week. The bill would expand the state's required high school financial literacy course to include instruction on financial aid for postsecondary education — including scholarships, grants, and student loans.
'Knowledge is power,' Willard told the committee. 'We want our students and their families to know that there are opportunities for them to attend college, or to earn a trade certificate. Postsecondary education is more attainable than many think — they just need the information.
Currently, Louisiana requires students to complete a financial literacy course to graduate. The course already covers topics like budgeting and credit, but Willard's bill would add education about navigating the financial aid process.
The proposal comes in response to a sharp drop in Free Application for Federal Student Aid completion rates in Louisiana. Willard noted that the state was once among the best in the nation for FAFSA submissions, even ranking second nationally. But after the state repealed its policy requiring students to complete the FAFSA or formally opt out, Louisiana dropped to 28th.
'While FAFSA applications increased across the country, we did the opposite,' Willard said. 'That's concerning. Especially for a poor state like ours — this kind of knowledge can be life-changing.'
The idea for the bill was inspired in part by the New Orleans College and Career Attainment Network, which pointed Willard to a similar model in Florida.
Willard emphasized that the financial aid education would apply broadly — not just for students pursuing a traditional four-year degree, but also those interested in community college, trades, or technical certifications.
The bill now moves to the full House for consideration.
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