What is the M.J. Foster Promise Program?

The M.J. Foster Promise Program is a financial aid program for Louisiana resident students who are 21 years of age or older. The program will provide aid for students to earn credentials in high-demand industries such as construction, healthcare, information technology, manufacturing, and transportation/logistics. 

The M.J. Foster Promise Program will be administered by the Board of Regents through the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA). Students will be able to participate beginning in July 2022.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the M.J. Foster Program:

• Be a Louisiana resident and U.S. citizen who is 21 years of age or older.
• 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.
• 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.

What is the Award Amount?

The award amount is $3,200 per award year.

Lifetime individual caps on the awards will match the maximum TOPS Tech benefit in current law ($6,400). 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.

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.

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.

What Academic Degrees can I pursue with MJ Foster Promise funding?

Non-credit upcoming classes beginning July 1 will be in the areas of:

• CDL
• Medical Assistant
• Welding
• Construction
• Sheet Metal
• Precision Measurement

What are my next steps?

You can either request more information about the MJ Foster Promise Program to see if you qualify.  An admissions counselor will reach out to you within 1-2 days with more information.  Or you can apply for admission to start your academic journey at Souhern University at Shreveport (SUSLA).

For more information on the M.J. Foster Promise Program, email mjfoster.promise@la.gov or visit LOSFA’s M.J. Foster Promise Program webpage.

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