Cowen Institute Supports Passage of Financial Literacy Legislation for Louisiana Students

During the 2025 Legislative session, the Cowen Institute worked with Rep. Matthew Willard of New Orleans to pass new legislation that expands financial literacy instruction for Louisiana high school students. The measure, signed into law by Gov. Jeff Landry as Act. 48 on June 4, adds “scholarships, grants, and other financial opportunities to pay for postsecondary education” to the required financial literacy instruction high school students will receive in Louisiana.

The intent of the bill was to directly expose students to FAFSA and other opportunities for financial support to aid their postsecondary education. Last year, the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) removed the requirement that all Louisiana students complete the FAFSA before graduating high school. This new legislation will help to address the information gap left by the removal of that mandate.

“We are so proud to see this legislation signed into law. This will ensure Louisiana students have the information they need to make their postsecondary education dreams financially possible. We want to sincerely thank Rep. Willard for carrying this measure and being such a strong advocate of our students,” said Mia Gonzales Washington, Director of the New Orleans College & Career Attainment Network at the Cowen Institute at Tulane University.

Notably, the bill was passed unanimously by both the Senate and House.