What is the TOPS Tech Early Start Award?
The TOPS Tech Early Start award provides up to $600 per academic year for any eligible 11th or 12th grade student attending a Louisiana PUBLIC high school who wishes to concurrently enroll for up to six credit hours per semester in order to pursue certification in an Eligible Program at a public or nonpublic college or an approved training provider.
Click here to view the TOPS Tech Early START Trainer provider list.
- Standard Eligibility Requirements
- Be in “Good Standing” as an 11th or 12th grade student in a Louisiana PUBLIC high school. (“Good Standing” is defined by the student’s high school).
- Have an approved 5-year Education and Career Plan.
- Have a cumulative GPA of 2.00 on a 4.00 scale on all courses attempted.
- Score a 15 or above on the mathematics AND English portion of the Pre- ACT or the ASPIRE, or on the ACT, or the equivalent concordant value on the SAT, or a Silver Level score on the ACT WorkKeys assessment.
- Enroll in a course in an Industry-Based Occupational or Vocational Education Credential Program in a top demand occupation (Eligible Program).
- Renewal Requirements
- Remain in “Good Standing” as an 11th or 12th grade student in a Louisiana public high school.
- Maintain a 2.00 GPA on a 4.00 scale on all high school courses attempted.
- Continue to pursue one or more courses leading to a credential in an Eligible Program.
- Remain in “Good Standing” with the public or nonpublic college or approved training provider.
- Maintain steady academic progress.
- TOPS Tech Early Start BILLING DEADLINES
Fall Semester:
Billing Begins after your school’s census date.
Fall billing deadline by October 15. Billings after this deadline will not be approved.
ALL Fall billing corrections must be completed and processed by November 14.Spring Semester:
Billing Begins after your school’s census date.
Spring billing deadline by April 1. Billings after this deadline will not be approved.
ALL Spring billing corrections must be completed and processed by April 30 .
In cases where the dates above fall on a weekend or declared a holiday, the deadline will be the next working day. Questions regarding payment request submission and processing should be referred to LOSFA’s Special Program Staff at: SGSP@la.gov
