Steve Carter Tutoring Initiative: A Free Path to Academic Support for Louisiana Families

Falling behind in reading or math doesn't have to mean falling behind for good. In Louisiana, the Steve Carter Tutoring Initiative which is a part of the state's high dosage tutoring programs, gives families a direct, low-cost way to get their child extra academic support outside regular school hours.

Named for the late Baton Rouge state representative Steve Carter, a longtime advocate for literacy legislation, the program is built around a simple idea: subsidize tutoring costs by allocating $1500 for learners that are identified to be in need of extra guidance. This tutoring guidance is not offered through the existing schools and classroom educators.

What the Steve Carter Tutoring Initiative Offers?

Families of K-12 public school students who qualify can receive a digital voucher worth up to $1,500 per school year. That voucher covers outside literacy or math tutoring through a state-approved provider, meaning families don't pay out of pocket for approved services.

Who Can Apply?

Eligibility is generally tied to state assessment results. Students performing below grade-level proficiency in reading or math are the primary target. That said, a teacher can also refer a student who is struggling even if their official scores are passing, so parents with concerns shouldn't assume test scores are the only path in. A conversation with your child's teacher is often the fastest way to find out where things stand.

How the Steve Carter Tutoring Initiative Works Day-to-Day?

• Tutoring happens after school hours, either in person or online.

• Session sizes stay small, generally capped around four students per tutor.

• Once a family is approved, they choose a provider from a state-vetted list. In some areas, the local school system itself is also an approved provider.

Getting Ready to Apply

Before starting an application, families need their child's Louisiana Student ID (LASID) a ten-digit identification number unique to a learner. It's usually available through the Student Progress Center, or the school office should be able to provide it on request.

The Application Process, Step by Step

1. Confirm eligibility by checking recent assessment results or asking a teacher for a recommendation.

2. Locate the child's LASID number — the application can't be completed without it.

3. Submit the application through Louisiana's parent portal.

4. Once approved, select a tutoring provider, in-person or virtual, from the approved list.

5. Coordinate scheduling directly with the chosen provider, typically for after-school sessions.

Why Does the Program Matter?

Academic gaps rarely close on their own, and the longer they go unaddressed, the harder they are to fix. Schools and educators do their best but sometimes an external specialized tutor can better identify the challenges and provide specific interventions in small groups to these learners. By funding tutoring directly rather than requiring families to absorb the cost, the Steve Carter Tutoring Initiative removes one of the biggest barriers to getting kids additional help: affordability. The fact that a different set of experts work with the children also helps identify challenges that might not be evident in regular classrooms.

For families wondering whether their child qualifies, the most useful first step is a conversation with the school this week assessment records and check the updated list of approved providers. This list changes each year so getting the current information locally is worth the effort.

It is initiatives like these that have helped Louisiana State rankings in reading and math significantly higher the national rankings.

M​yMemoryMentor is a full-service digital evaluation and remediation platform for learning difficulties and emotional health issues.