-Event to Preview Voucher Enrollment Period That Begins Next Week-

(BLACK PR WIRE) (March 12, 2010) NEW ORLEANS -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- New Orleans parents who want to send their children to high-quality private schools using state-funded school vouchers can meet school leaders and compare the benefits of different schools at a first-of-its-kind Private Schools Expo this Saturday, March 13, 2010. At the Expo, more than a dozen private schools will provide information about schools that participate in the Student Scholarships for Educational Excellence (SSEE) Program, a voucher initiative for low-income children in failing public schools.

The Expo, which is sponsored by the Louisiana Black Alliance for Educational Options (Louisiana BAEO), will be held from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Ashe Cultural Arts Center (1712 Oretha C. Haley Blvd., New Orleans, Louisiana 70113). At the event, parents can pre-register for SSEE Program for next school year (2010-11). The enrollment period for the program officially begins on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 and ends on Saturday, March 20.

"There has been tremendous interest in this event, both on the part of parents and children and also on the part of schools," said Shree Medlock, director of Louisiana BAEO. "When we talk about 'school choice,' we really mean it. When parents are provided with good options, they shop around and select the best schools for their children."

SSEE scholarships are worth up to $7,444 per year, and there are currently 34 private schools that are authorized to accept students into the program. Once a student receives a scholarship, he or she can renew that scholarship as long as the student continues to meet income and residency requirements. 

To be eligible to receive the vouchers, students must reside in Orleans Parish, be a member of a family with a total income that does not exceed 250 percent of the current federal poverty guidelines ($55,125 for a family of four), be entering grades K-5, and have been enrolled in a failing public school during the 09-10 school year (this does not apply to students entering kindergarten).

For more information, visit www.louisiana.baeo.org.