M.J. Foster Promise Program

About the Sector: Information Technology, as used here, covers a broad range of occupations, including software development, cybersecurity, and creating visual effects for the movie industry. IT jobs are available in every sector of the economy and in every region of Louisiana. Employers often have difficulty finding enough candidates with the required skill sets, and demand is expected to increase substantially well into the future.

About the Jobs: IT jobs offer enormous variety, like working as a network administrator in a hospital or school, protecting critical infrastructure for an industrial operation, selling software solutions to corporate executives, and helping cities offer their services more equitably. You can explore opportunities in your area by clicking the link below. Below the search fields, click “Additional Search Options” and select “Computer and Mathematical Occupations” from the Occupation Group menu. You can narrow down your region as well, but a statewide view may give you the best overall perspective.

Choosing a Program: Start by exploring the jobs available as described above, talking to teachers and people in your community, and researching potential employers. You’ll want to consider the work environment and your preferences – do you prefer to work with people? Are there particular work hours that are important to you? Do you need to work remotely? Are you willing to travel? Choose a few fields of work that sound appealing to you, and look at the qualifications for those jobs. The IT sector is often focused on industry-based certifications (IBCs), things like Comp-TIA certifications and specific software packages, and many of these can be acquired through relatively short-term programs. However, many jobs require advanced degrees and/or many years of experience. Almost every IT job will require you to show proof that you have a specific skill set. Make sure you understand the difference and then look for programs that offer the credentials you need.

About the Sector: The Manufacturing industry is one of the leading private employers in every region of Louisiana, making everything from wood products to basic chemicals to the Artemis manned lunar rocket built at the NASA Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. These regional differences are very important to this sector, so be sure to explore options in your community or the community in which you’d like to live. This industry is robust and projected to continue creating jobs across the state well into the future.

About the Jobs: The Manufacturing industry employs a wide variety of people. Here, we are specifically looking at production and maintenance occupations, including welders, production technicians, and millwrights. Many production tasks are currently being automated through industrial robotics and other technologies. That means that these occupations require technology and computational skills, with far less manual labor required than was the case in previous decades. Manufacturing  workers across the board require increasingly sophisticated skills, often using technologies like drones to conduct inspections and imaging systems to evaluate the integrity of critical components. Many manufacturing skill sets have significant transferability to other sectors like construction and transportation, providing flexible options for future career pathways. You can explore opportunities in your area by clicking the link below. Below the search fields, click “Additional Search Options” and select “Production Occupations” from the Occupation Group menu.

About the Sector: The Manufacturing industry is one of the leading private employers in every region of Louisiana, making everything from wood products to basic chemicals to the Artemis manned lunar rocket built at the NASA Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. These regional differences are very important to this sector, so be sure to explore options in your community or the community in which you’d like to live. This industry is robust and projected to continue creating jobs across the state well into the future.

About the Jobs: The Manufacturing industry employs a wide variety of people. Here, we are specifically looking at production and maintenance occupations, including welders, production technicians, and millwrights. Many production tasks are currently being automated through industrial robotics and other technologies. That means that these occupations require technology and computational skills, with far less manual labor required than was the case in previous decades. Manufacturing workers across the board require increasingly sophisticated skills, often using technologies like drones to conduct inspections and imaging systems to evaluate the integrity of critical components. Many manufacturing skill sets have significant transferability to other sectors like construction and transportation, providing flexible options for future career pathways. You can explore opportunities in your area by clicking the link below. Below the search fields, click “Additional Search Options” and select “Production Occupations” from the Occupation Group menu.

Choosing a Program: Start by exploring the jobs available as described above, talking to teachers and people in your community, and researching potential employers. You’ll want to consider the work environment and your preferences – do you prefer to be physically active or to be seated? Are there particular work hours that are important to you? Do you want to work with sophisticated technology? Are you willing to travel? Choose a few fields of work that sound appealing to you, and look at the qualifications for those jobs. Many production and maintenance jobs require education and training that can be accomplished in two years or less, and apprenticeship programs can be an excellent option.

Choosing a Program: Start by exploring the jobs available as described above, talking to teachers and people in your community, and researching potential employers. You’ll want to consider the work environment and your preferences – do you prefer to be physically active or to be seated? Are there particular work hours that are important to you? Do you want to work with sophisticated technology? Are you willing to travel? Choose a few fields of work that sound appealing to you, and look at the qualifications for those jobs. Many production and maintenance jobs require education and training that can be accomplished in two years or less, and apprenticeship programs can be an excellent option.

About the Sector: The Construction industry provides a huge variety of career pathways. The sector includes residential construction, or home-building; commercial construction, building things like office buildings and malls; industrial construction, building large manufacturing plants, refineries, and so on; and civil construction, which is the building of roads, highways, levees and similar projects. Construction work also offers many opportunities for self-employment. Louisiana has consistent demand for construction workers due to general building trends as well as state-specific factors like disaster recovery, significant investments in flood protection systems, and major industrial activity, providing excellent employment prospects now and in the future.

About the Jobs: Construction jobs are often highly specialized, with workers developing increasingly sophisticated skill sets within fields like welding, carpentry, electrical, and plumbing, often called crafts or trades. However, there are also major opportunities for multi-craft workers. Much construction work is outside, but there are indoor jobs as well, so be sure to consider your preferences. Highly skilled specialized workers may spend much of their time at job sites away from home. Many construction skill sets have significant transferability to other sectors like manufacturing and transportation, providing flexible options for future career pathways. You can explore opportunities in your area by clicking the link below and selecting “Construction and Extraction Occupations” from the search criteria. You can narrow down your region as well, but a statewide view may give you the best overall perspective.

About the Sector: Transportation and Warehousing, as used here, is focused on vehicle operation and maintenance as well as logistics. In general, this industry sector is responsible for moving people and materials safely from one place to another and storing materials temporarily on the way to their final destination. Major employers in Louisiana include airlines, railways, trucking companies, and warehousing operations. Perhaps surprisingly, many agricultural jobs fall within this sector, due to the importance of vehicle operation and maintenance to these fields. There are significant regional differences in opportunities, but every region of the state offers excellent career prospects in this sector.

About the Jobs: Transportation jobs generally focus on operating vehicles such as aircraft, ships, trucks, and autonomous vehicles; or maintaining those vehicles. Some transportation jobs will allow you to return home each night, but many of them entail major time away from home. Warehousing jobs are often fast-paced and employ software to manage extremely complex supply chains. Many transportation and warehousing skill sets have significant transferability to other sectors like manufacturing and construction, providing flexible options for future career pathways. You can explore opportunities in your area by clicking the link below and selecting “Transportation and Material Handling Occupations” from the search criteria. You should also look under “Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations” for vehicle maintenance jobs, and you may want to explore some of the other groups for relevant occupations. You can narrow down your region as well.

About the Sector: The Healthcare sector covers everything from hospitals and clinics to nursing homes and pharmacies. This sector offers a very broad set of opportunities with great variability in work environments and the level of education required to enter the field. Healthcare is growing fast in every region of the state and is expected to offer excellent career prospects well into the future.

About the Jobs: Healthcare jobs offer enormous variety. Here, we are focused on the types of healthcare jobs that require two year or less of education, which includes many types of nurses as well as respiratory therapists, pharmacy technicians, and medical billing and coding specialists. Many of these jobs involve direct contact with patients, while others are more behind the scenes. There is significant variability in pay rates and many healthcare jobs entail working non-standard hours. Many healthcare jobs offer opportunities to enter the field after relatively brief educational preparation with career ladders that provide for further advancement with additional credentials. Some employers will offer benefits like tuition reimbursement for further education. Also be aware that many of these fields require licensing that may not be available to people with certain types of criminal histories. You can explore opportunities in your area by clicking the link below and selecting “Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations” and “Healthcare Support Occupations” from the search criteria. You can narrow down your region as well, but a statewide view may give you the best overall perspective.

Baton Rouge Community College

Bossier Parish Community College

Central Louisiana Technical Community College

Delgado Community College

Louisiana Delta Community College

Fletcher Technical Community College

Northshore Technical Community College

Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College

Nunez Community College

River Parishes Community College

South Louisiana Community College

SOWELA Technical Community College

LSUE

SUSLA

Approved List

• Be 19 years of age as of the date the student completes the M.J. Foster Promise application.
• Have earned a high school diploma or equivalent or co-enroll in a qualified program of study and in a program to earn a high school credential that is recognized by the state of Louisiana.
• Be a U.S. Citizen and a Louisiana Resident*
• Have not previously earned an undergraduate degree at the associate level or above.
• Must complete the MJ Foster Program Award Application
• Must have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the academic year in which they will be enrolled if enrolled in a program that is Title IV eligible as determined by the school and following the initial payment of the award.
• If a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces and been separated from service, have received an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions.
• Meet the admission requirements of the institution the student plans to attend; and
• Enroll and remain enrolled in an eligible program of study through the 14th class day at semester schools, or, for any qualifying summer sessions, students attending proprietary schools, and students enrolled in a program that is not provided on a traditional semester/term basis, through the end of the last day to drop and receive a full refund for the course of study in which enrolled.
• Agree to reside and work full time in Louisiana for a minimum of one year after the completion of the last program of study for which funding is received.
• The student must also certify that:
  • They are not currently imprisoned; and
  • They have not been convicted of a violent crime (Those convicted of a violent crime, but not incarcerated for that crime are ineligible.);and
  • They have a family income that does not exceed three hundred percent of the federal poverty guidelines; or certify that they are currently unemployed or have been underemployed for a period of at least six months prior to the date they would receive an award.

*The student must have actually lived and resided in Louisiana for 24 months prior to completing the FAFSA to be considered a Louisiana resident for the MJ Foster Promise Program. If the student was a veteran of the United States Armed Forces who received an honorable discharge or general discharge under honorable conditions, and after separating from active duty, must become a Louisiana resident within 24 months prior to the application date.

• Annually complete the FAFSA if enrolled in a program that is Title IV eligible as determined by the school in which enrolled.
• Annually complete the on-line application for an M.J. Foster Promise Program award.
• Make steady academic progress
• Remain in good academic standing at the school in which enrolled.
• Maintain continuous enrollment, unless granted an exception
• Maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.00 calculated on a 4.00 scale in a qualified program for which letter grades are issued.
• Maintain steady academic progress in a qualified program for which letter grades are not issued.
• Not be incarcerated and not have a conviction for any violent crime
  • Those convicted of a violent crime, but not incarcerated for that crime are ineligible.
• If a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces and been separated from service, have received an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions.
• Have received the award for not more than three consecutive academic years unless granted an exception
• Have not used the award to earn more than sixty (60) hours of college credit.
• A recipient may continue to receive an award under this section after they have completed one or more qualified programs of study other than an associate degree if:
  • They continue to meet all of the continuing eligibility requirements
  • They have not exhausted the maximum award eligibility of six thousand four hundred dollars ($6,400).
  • They have not received the award for three years.

• Cumulative 2.0 GPA
• *Non-continuous enrollment
• Steady academic progress

*Enrolling in coursework that does not count toward a qualified program of study may affect your eligibility to continue receiving the award

1. What is the M.J. Foster Promise Program?
The M.J. Foster Promise Program is a financial aid program that helps qualified Louisiana residents pay for eligible college or technical programs in high-demand career fields.

2. Who is eligible?
Eligibility is based on Louisiana residency, enrollment in an eligible school and program, and meeting other program requirements. Some students with TOPS awards or other aid may have restrictions. M.J. Foster Promise Program | Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance

3. Is being “eligible” the same as being “approved”?
No. Being determined “eligible” means that you meet the basic requirements for the M.J. Foster Promise Program, such as residency, enrollment, and academic standards. However, eligibility does not automatically guarantee funding. Funds are awarded on a first-come, first-billed basis. Your school will submit a bill to LOSFA for your tuition and fees. Once the class census date has passed, your school will verify your enrollment and eligibility. For semester-based schools, the census date is the 14th class day. For proprietary schools or programs not provided on a traditional semester/term basis, the census date is after the period to drop and receive a full refund has ended. LOSFA will then process that bill and release funds to your school. In short, eligibility is the first step, while approval and payment happen after your school submits the necessary documentation.

4. Is the M.J. Foster Promise Program award a loan?
No, you are not required to repay any amounts received under this program. However, you are required to remain and work in Louisiana for a Louisiana base employer for at least one year after you finish your program of study.

1. How do I sign up?
   Apply through LOSFA’s M.J. Foster Promise Program portal. J. Foster Promise Program Application

2. What happens after I apply?

After you apply for the M.J. Foster Promise Program, here are your next steps:

• Enroll in an eligible program at an approved school.
• Contact your school’s Financial Aid Office to let them know you are eligible for the M.J. Foster Promise Program.
• Your school will bill LOSFA for your funds.

If you are enrolled in a Title IV eligible program, as deemed by your college or institution, a FAFSA® must be on file with your school before receiving a second M.J. Foster Program payment. If a FAFSA® is not on file, your award may be canceled, so it is important to ensure your FAFSA® is submitted and up to date.

3. Do I need to contact my school, or will they contact LOSFA?
   It is good practice to notify your school’s Financial Aid Office once you are enrolled so they can process your award efficiently. However, your school does receive a Master Roster from LOSFA, which lists all eligible students. This allows them to view your eligibility even if you have not contacted them directly, though reaching out can help ensure there are no delays in processing your M.J. Foster Promise Program funds.

4. When will I find out if I am approved?
   Eligibility is determined within a couple of business days. Students will receive a notification regarding eligibility through the email address listed on the application.

5. If I am denied, can I reapply?
   If you are denied in the current award cycle, you can reapply in future award cycles. Keep in mind that eligibility for the M.J. Foster Promise Program can change each year, based on factors such as residency, enrollment status, academic progress, or other program requirements. Meeting the criteria in a future year may allow you to receive the award, even if you were previously denied.

6. How do I check the status of my M.J. Foster Promise Application?
   Students can review all notices by establishing a Student Hub account. The Hub allows access to notifications by logging in and checking the Communications tab.

7. Why can’t I see my M.J. Foster Promise account on the Student Hub?
   If you are unable to review your M.J. Foster Promise award information, please reach out to custserv@la.gov for assistance.

1. What do I have to do to keep the M.J. Foster Promise Program award?You must:

• Maintain steady academic progress:
  1. 1. If enrolled full-time, make sufficient progress to graduate withing 100% of the time allotted for the completion of the award. For example, if a completion time is one academic year, you must complete sufficient coursework to complete the program withing that year.
     2. If you enrolled part-time, make sufficient progress to graduate during the time period for which you may receive an award. The maximum time period that you may receive an award is three years, so you must complete the sufficient course work to complete your program withing this time period.
• Remain in good standing at your school.
• Maintain continuous enrollment:

1. 1. Earn at least one short-term postsecondary education credential per year if enrolled in a qualified program below the associate degree level that can be completed in less than one year; or
   2. Enroll continuously in a postsecondary education credential program that is longer than one year and does not result in an associate degree; or
   3. Enroll in the fall and spring semester of each academic year if enrolled in a qualified program at the associates degree level.

• • Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 calculated on a 4.00 scale in a program for which grades are issued.
  • Not be incarcerated.
  • Have no criminal convictions for a crime of violence.
  • Have received an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions.
  • Have received the award for less than three years.
  • Have earned not more that 60 hours of credit while receiving the award.
  • Complete the FAFSA prior to receipt of a second award payment and annually thereafter unless enrolled in a program that is not eligible for federal financial aid as determined by the school in which you are enrolled.
  • Annually complete the M.J. Foster Promise Program on-line application.

2. Can more than one person in the same household apply?
   More than one eligible student in the same household can apply for the M.J. Foster Promise Program. Each applicant must meet the program’s eligibility requirements independently, including residency, academic standards, and FAFSA® completion. Living in the same household does not disqualify an eligible student from receiving funding. Each sibling or household member may qualify and receive funding individually if they meet the program requirements.

3. What if I applied late?
   If your eligibility letter says 2025-26, it covers the period July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026, which corresponds to the 2025–2026 academic year. You can apply for the M.J. Foster Promise Program at any time during the academic year, even if school has already started. However, because funds are awarded on a first-come, first-billed basis, applying late may affect the amount of funding available. It is always best to submit your application as early as possible to ensure your school can bill LOSFA and secure your award.

4. If my program spans multiple semesters, is that okay?
   If you maintain eligibility and continuous enrollment, the M.J. Foster Promise Program can support students in programs that span multiple semesters. Funding is available for up to three years or a maximum of $6,400 per student, depending on the program and how your school bills LOSFA.

5. If I receive M.J. Foster Promise Program funding while being full-time, what happens if I drop to part-time?
   Your M.J. Foster Promise Program award amount may be reduced if your tuition and fees are adjusted as a result of your drop or withdrawal. Students cannot receive a refund from M.J. Foster Promise Program funds. If the tuition and fee adjustment results in a refund of M.J. Foster Promise Program funds, then the school is required to reduce your award and return the funds to LOSFA. You may be responsible for repaying the reduced portion of the M.J. Foster Promise Program funds to your school if an award reduction occurs.To avoid any unexpected repayment, it is important to contact your school’s financial aid office before dropping or withdrawing from classes. They can help you understand how changes in enrollment may affect your M.J. Foster Promise Program award.
6. What if I cannot attend the required scholar meetings?
   M.J. Foster Promise Scholar Connect meetings are not required to maintain eligibility. The meetings are offered as free resources for eligible students.
7. Does the summer semester count toward GPA requirements?
   Yes, grades from summer can impact eligibility.

1. How can I find out if my school is eligible?
   LOSFA provides a list of approved institutions. Check the M.J. Foster Promise Program website or use the link below:
   M.J. Foster Promise Program | Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance
2. Does the M.J. Foster Promise Program work with specific schools like Goodwill Technical College, Unitech, or Diesel Driving Academy?
   Please refer to the link below for approved institutions:
   M.J. Foster Promise Program | Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance
3. Are online programs eligible?
   Online programs are only eligible if the school and program appear on LOSFA’s approved list. Additionally, the program must allow direct billing from the college to LOSFA through the school’s financial aid office. Programs offered through third-party organizations or outside vendors that do not allow this direct billing are not eligible for funding. This ensures M.J. Foster Promise Program funds are applied correctly and securely to your tuition and fees.
4. What programs are eligible?
   Please use the link below to access a list of approved programs. M.J. Foster Promise Program Approved Programs
5. Is General Studies eligible?
   General Studies programs are only eligible for M.J. Foster Promise Program funding if they are tied to a pathway in a high-demand field, such as prerequisites for Nursing, Allied Health, or other in-demand careers. If you are unsure whether your General Studies program qualifies, you can contact your school’s Financial Aid Office, which can verify whether your pathway is considered eligible for funding. This guarantees that M.J. Foster Promise Program funds are applied appropriately to qualifying programs.
6. Do you know why my program is no longer available?
   The Louisiana Workforce Commission’s M.J. Foster Promise Program Advisory Council convenes at least once a year to identify programs of study at the associate level and below that lead to high-demand, high-wage jobs that are aligned to state workforce priorities. Programs that do not meet these criteria may be removed from the list of approved programs. J. Foster Promise Program Legislation
7. Who determines the programs that are eligible for funding?
   As required by law, the Louisiana Workforce Commission shall convene an Advisory Council at least once a year to identify programs of study at the associate level and below that lead to high-demand, high-wage jobs that are aligned to state workforce priorities.

1. Does the M.J. Foster Promise Program cover the full cost of my program?
   The M.J. Foster Promise Program can only cover tuition, fees, and required instructional materials or supplies. The maximum award is $6,400. For students on a term or semester-based schedule, the award is capped at $3,200 per year, or $1,600 per semester/term.

However, if you are enrolled in a high-cost program (as determined by your college or institution) that can be completed in less than one year, you may receive the full $6,400 upon your first payment.

In general, the M.J. Foster Promise Program may cover the full or partial cost of your program depending on your school’s tuition and fees, the length of the program, and your enrollment schedule. It is always a good idea to check with your school’s Financial Aid Office to understand how your award will apply to your specific program.

2. Can I use the M.J. Foster Promise Program with other financial aid, like Pell Grant or WIOA?
   
   The M.J. Foster Promise Program award can be combined with other financial aid, but the way it is applied depends on whether it is the first semester or a subsequent semester:

• First semester/payment: M.J. Foster Promise Program is treated as first-dollar funding. It is applied first to tuition, fees, and required instructional materials or supplies. After the M.J. Foster Promise Program, other grants, or scholarships, like the Pell Grant, are applied for. Finally, WIOA funding, loans, or Work Study are applied as “last-last dollar” funding.
• Second semester/payment and beyond: M.J. Foster Promise Program functions as last-dollar funding. Other grants or scholarships, such as Pell Grants, are applied first. Then the M.J. Foster Promise Program covers any remaining tuition, fees, instructional materials, or supplies. Finally, WIOA, loans, or Work Study are applied last.This order ensures that all available aid is used efficiently. Because policies can vary by school, it is always recommended to consult your institution’s Financial Aid Office to confirm how the M.J. Foster Promise Program and other aid will be applied to your account.

3. If I have used all my Pell Grant, can the M.J. Foster Promise Program award still help?
   Using all your Pell Grant does not affect your eligibility for the M.J. Foster Promise Program. The M.J. Foster Promise Program is a separate program with its own eligibility requirements, so you can still receive funding for tuition, fees, and required instructional materials or supplies even if you have exhausted your Pell Grant.It is a good idea to check with your school’s Financial Aid Office to understand how the M.J. Foster Promise Program can be applied to your remaining costs and to ensure your award is processed correctly.

4. Do I request funds every semester or every year?
   For the M.J. Foster Promise Program, you reapply or renew your funding each academic year, not each semester. Your school, however, bills LOSFA for funds on a per-semester or per-term basis, so your award is distributed as you progress through your program.The annual application for the M.J. Foster Promise Program opens on June 1st each year. Applications submitted during this period are for programs starting July 1 of the application year through June 30 of the following year. Even if you start mid-year, you can apply for that academic year as long as your program and school are eligible.

5. When will funds be available?
   Schools bill LOSFA on behalf of eligible students who remain enrolled through the 14th class day or the last day to drop and receive a full refund for the course in which they enrolled.

6. Do I get the money directly?
   M.J. Foster Promise Program funds are paid directly to your school and cannot be received directly by students. The funds are applied to cover tuition, fees, and required instructional materials or supplies.

7. Do I need an award letter for my school?
   Your eligibility email can be shown to your Financial Aid Office. Some schools require the official award letter.

8. Can I switch programs or schools and keep my award?
   You can transfer your M.J. Foster Promise Program award to a new program or school, but the new program and school must be on LOSFA’s approved list. Additionally, you must maintain continuous enrollment and continue to meet all other eligibility requirements, such as academic progress, residency, and (if applicable) FAFSA® submission for Title IV eligible programs.

9. Can the M.J. Foster Promise Program pay toward student loans?
   No, it only covers current eligible programs, tuition and fees, books, and instructional materials.

10. What happens if the funding runs out?
    M.J. Foster Promise Program payments are issued on a first-come, first-billed basis. Once all funds are allocated, no additional awards will be made for the current academic year. If supplemental funding becomes available, awards will be distributed in this priority order until funds are exhausted:

1. 1. Outstanding bills from the fall semester for the current academic year.
   2. Eligible students who have already received the M.J. Foster Promise Award during the current academic year and are continuing in the same program.
   3. Eligible students who have not yet received an award.

11. How long will it take to pay my balance after the school bills LOSFA?
    Once an institution bills LOSFA for the M.J. Foster Promise Award, it takes approximately ten business days for the institution to receive the funds. Each institution then follows its timeline to apply those funds to a student’s account. Please note that the M.J. Foster Promise Award is a set amount based on the type and length of the program, so it may not cover your full balance.

• Watch the 2023-2024 Informational Webinar 
• View the Orientation Presentation 
• M.J. Foster Promise Rules  
• M.J. Foster Promise Residency Affidavit 
• Community Service Verification Form