The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument, were prepared by Cheryl Serrett.
DIGEST
SB 203 Engrossed 2019 Regular Session Walsworth
Present law provides for the Grant Opportunity for Youth ChalleNGe Skills Training Program
(GO-Youth ChalleNGe) for students who graduate from the La. National Guard's Youth ChalleNGe
Program with a general education diploma to receive a grant for postsecondary education skills
training.
Proposed law extends eligibility to GO-Youth ChalleNGe students who graduate from the La.
National Guard's Youth ChalleNGe Program and earned a BESE-issued diploma or its equivalent.
Expands postsecondary education options for these students to include a certificate, diploma, or
associate or baccalaureate degree required for a high-demand, high-skill, high-wage career.
Present law requires a student to meet certain other eligibility requirements, including enrolling in
an eligible postsecondary institution not later than the semester, excluding summer semesters or
sessions, immediately following the first anniversary of the date the student graduated from the La.
National Guard's Youth ChalleNGe Program.
Proposed law provides that, effective the 2020-2021 award year and thereafter, the administering
agency may, by rule, provide for an earlier or later initial enrollment date.
Present law provides for the program to be administered by the La. Student Financial Assistance
Commission, and authorizes the commission to prescribe appropriate rules and regulations for the
program.
Proposed law clarifies that the administering agency is the Board of Regents, through the office of
student financial assistance.
Present law provides for the legislature to appropriate funding to cover the grants awarded and the
costs for administering the program.
Proposed law retains present law and includes the costs to provide intensive academic funding to
grant recipients.
Effective August 1, 2019.
(Amends R.S. 17:3050.1, 3050.2(A) and (B)(1), 3050.3, and 3050.4)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Education to the original bill 1. Remove provisions relative to TOPS-Tech.
2. Rename grant program.
3. Expand use of grant program for additional postsecondary education options.
3. Provide funding for intensive academic advising.