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MJ Foster Promise Program
WHAT IS THE 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 former Louisiana Governor Mike J. Foster.
The M.J. Foster Promise Program is available to Louisiana residents who are 21 years or older and who do not have an associate degree or higher degree. Awards are provided on a firstcome, first-served basis. If qualified, students must be enrolled in programs of study that lead to high-demand jobs in growing industry sectors
WHERE CAN YOU USE M.J. FOSTER PROMISE FUNDS?
M.J. Foster Promise funds can be used for approved programs at all public two-year postsecondary institutions in Louisiana (any public technical community college, Louisiana State University – Eunice, Southern University - Shreveport) as well as at approved proprietary schools licensed by the Board of Regents.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
- Be a Louisiana resident for at least 24 months prior to applying for the Program and a U.S. Citizen aged 21 years or older.
- 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.
- Must complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Fmeet the admission requirements for the institution they are planning to attend.ederal Student Aid) and the M.J. Foster Promise Program application as well as meet the admission requirements for the institution they are planning to attend.
- Must commit to reside and work full-time in Louisiana for at least one year after completion of the program of study for which funds were received.
- 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.
- Incarcerated individuals and those who have been convicted of any crime of violence are prohibited from receiving M.J. Foster Promise funds.
- Individuals who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and been separated from service, must have received an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions to be eligible for M.J. Foster Promise funds.
- While there is no initial GPA and ACT score requirement, students must maintain at least a 2.0 grade point
AWARD AMOUNT
$3,200 per award year for students enrolled full time
MAXIMUM AWARD AMOUNT
$6,400 over a period of 3 years
HIGH COST PROGRAMS
Some recipients may receive the full $6,400 if enrolled in a high-cost program that is less than one year
2024-2025 ACADEMIC YEAR ELIGIBLE PROGRAMS
- Construction
- Healthcare
- Information Technology
- Manufacturing
- Transportation and Logistics