WHAT IS THE M.J. FOSTER PROMISE PROGRAM?
The M.J. Foster Promise Program will be administered by the Board of Regents through the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance. Students will be able to participate beginning in July 2022. All public two-year postsecondary institutions in Louisiana are eligible training providers as well as accredited proprietary schools licensed by the Board of Regents.
Eligible Programs:
- Advanced Manufacturing Technician
- Cloud Computing
- Commerical Driver's License (CDL)
- Drafting and Design Technology
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technician
- Forklift Operator (Workforce)
- Nursing - Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
- Patient Care Technician
- Welding
- Certified Nursing Assistant (Workforce)
- Emergency Medical Technician (Workforce)
- Medical Assistant (Workforce)
- Pharmacy Technician (Workforce)
- Electronic Health Records Specialist (Workforce)
- Medical Administrative Assistant (Workforce)
The M.J. Foster Promise Program will be available to all Louisiana residents (21 years or older) with individual student awards available on a first-come, first-served basis. Students will qualify for financial support to earn credentials that align to high-demand jobs in growing industry sectors, such as construction, healthcare, information technology, manufacturing, and transportation and logistics.
Eligibility Requirements
Check below to see if you are eligible!
- Meet a family income that does not exceed 300% of the Federal Poverty Level or be unemployed or underemployed for six months prior to receiving grant.
- Household of 1 = $38,640
- Household of 2 = $52,260
- Household of 3 = $65,880
- Household of 4 = $79,500
- Household of 5 = $93,120
- To view the most updated poverty thresholds and for households of six or more, visit the U.S. ASPE webpage for more information.
- Have earned a high school diploma or equivalent or co-enroll in a qualified program of study and in a program to earn high school credential.
- Have not previously earned an undergraduate degree at the associate level or above.
- Be a Louisiana resident and U.S. Citizen.
- Commit to reside in Louisiana one year after completion and to perform 20 hours of community service, an internship, or a mentorship annually to maintain the award.
Incarcerated individuals and those who have been convicted of any crime of violence as defined in RS 14:2 are prohibited from receiving M.J. Foster Promise funds.
The M.J. Foster Promise Program will serve as a “last dollar” award, which means all applicants will be required to complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for other sources of federal aid or demonstrate eligibility for federal aid. The Promise funds would apply to any balances after federal, state, or institutional aid has been disbursed, so award amounts will differ student by student.
The Promise funds can be used over a period of three years to cover tuition and fees, but no additional funds will be rebated to students. Lifetime individual caps on the awards will match the maximum TOPS Tech benefit in current law ($6,400). The award amount is $3,200 per award year. Student may receive maximum award amount of $6,400 if enrolled in a high-cost program. If a student does not meet the continuation requirements, like the other programs, they can file for an exception.
Prospective students may start applying now for the MJ Foster Promise.
There are three easy steps to receiving funds from the M.J. Foster Promise Program.
- Complete an CLTCC application.
- Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Complete an application with the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOFSA).
Contact LOSFA staff at [email protected] for more information.