MJ Foster Promise

Named after former Louisiana Governor Mike J. Foster, the MJ Foster Promise Program is a new $10.5 million annual state fund that will provide financial support for students to earn credentials that align to high-demand jobs in these growing industry sectors

Am I eligible for the MJ Foster Promise Program?

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.  Click here to view the list of approved qualified program.

To be eligible for the MJ Foster Promise Program, a student must:

• 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 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.

Award Amounts

Annual award amounts to eligible students are based on the institution’s allocation and their packaging policy. Annual awards may 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 $6400 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. View more information.

Proportional Billing due to Reduced Enrollment

Students enrolled in under 12 credit hours are eligible to receive a reduced, or prorated, award amount for the applicable term. The proration formula is as follows:

Hours enrolled / 12 hours (full-time) = %

% x approved MF Foster Promise Program amount = eligible MF Foster Promise Program award

For instance, if a MF Foster Promise Program student is enrolled in 9 credit hours for the term, the student will be eligible for up to $1200.00, not $1600.00, since the funds will serve as a “last dollar” award. The calculation is as follows,

9/12=.75 or 75%

.75 x $1600 = $1200 (up to, depending on the student’s tuition amount)

For more information about the MJ Foster Promise Program, see the topics below:

• Further information regarding the MJ Foster Promise Program
• SUSLA MJ Foster Promise Program Webpage
• MJ Foster Promise Program application