Sources (where applicable) of state, local, and other private aid include state grants, scholarships, and agency funding, which are available from organizations such as those listed below. Note that these sources are separate from federal student financial aid sources and private lending sources. Please consult the Financial Aid Office or funding grantor for additional information.
The state’s higher education webpage may be visited for more information on specific state grant options.
Students interested in scholarships are encouraged to search using FinAid!, a leading scholarship search provider for students. Their free service matches scholarships to the student’s specific qualifications and can be accessed online at www.FinAid.org.
Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS)/TOPS Tech/TOPS Opportunity/TOPS Honors
TOPS is a grant, funded by the state of Louisiana, that is awarded based on coursework and GPA in a Louisiana high school as well as ACT scores. This is awarded on a per term basis. The amount of the award is updated annually and is determined by the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA). To maintain TOPS, students must meet certain term and cumulative GPA requirements.
TOPS Renewal Section, S/G Division, Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance
Phone: 225-219-7715, Fax: 225-219-7666
www.ofsa.state.us.la
CHAFEE Education and Training Voucher Program (ETV)
Chafee ETV awards up to $5,000 annually during the academic year to qualified students who have been in the foster care system so they can pursue an academic college education or technical and skill training in college to be prepared to enter the workforce. The actual award amount is determined by the student’s financial need, which is calculated in accordance with the Higher Education Act of 195, as amended.
CHAFEE ETV, Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance
Phone: 225-219-7707, Fax: 225-612-6508
www.ofsa.state.us.la
M.J. Foster Promise Program
The M.J. Foster Promise Program provides financial assistance to eligible students who enroll in a qualified program at a two-year public college or university, or an accredited proprietary school licensed by the Board of Regents to pursue an associate degree or a shorter-term postsecondary education credential required for certain high-demand, high-wage occupations aligned with Louisiana’s workforce priorities. The program is named after the former Louisiana Governor Mike J. Foster.
The M.J. Foster Promise Program is available to all eligible Louisiana residents with individual student awards available based on eligibility and enrollment. 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.
Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance
602 N. Fifth St.
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
225-224-8254
Mjfoster.promise@la.gov
Vocational Rehabilitation
Vocational Rehabilitation, the flagship program of Louisiana Rehabilitation Services, is a one-stop career development program that offers individuals with disabilities a wide range of services designed to provide them with the skills, resources, attitudes, and expectations needed to compete in the interview process, get the job, keep the job, and develop a lifetime career. Funding is awarded by LRS and is determined based on financial need, physical need, and the availability of funds.
3651 Cedarcrest Avenue Baton Rouge, LA 70816 – 4010
Phone: 225-295 – 8900
Fax: 225-295 – 8966
www.dss.state.la.us
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
WIOA, is designed to assist students who have been affected by the downturn in the economy to re-enter the workforce in a career where they can excel and benefit the employer at the same time. This is a state-funded program that has regional offices in most parishes that award funding for that specific parish. The funding is awarded based on need, availability, and several other factors. Students must meet with a counselor in their area prior to entering an education program.
EmployBR (serving East Baton Rouge Parish)
Workforce Investment Administration
4523 Plank Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70805
Phone: 225-358-4606, Fax: 225-358-8610
WIOA20 (serving parishes surrounding Baton Rouge)
403 Market Street, Hammond, LA 70401
Phone: 985-902-4200, Fax: 985-542-0491