M.J. 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 post secondary education credential required for certain high-demand, high-wage occupations aligned with Louisiana’s workforce priorities.

Who Qualifies for the M.J. Foster Program?

Effective July 1, 2026, students must be at least 21 years old in the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 award years to be initially eligible for the M.J. Foster Promise Program award. Continuing students who do not meet this age requirement will continue to be eligible to receive the award if they maintain eligibility per the program rules. The full list of initial eligibility requirements can be found on our website under “What are the eligibility requirements for the M.J. Foster Promise Program?” The full text of Act 642 can be found here.

To continue receiving the M.J. Foster Promise award, students must complete the application annually. Failure to submit the M.J. Foster Promise application will result in the award not being made to the student.

Students interested in applying for the program are encouraged to complete the 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) application, which can be accessed by clicking here.

The M.J. Foster Promise Program is available to all eligible Louisiana residents (21 years or older) with individual student awards available based on eligibility and enrollment. 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. View the list of approved qualified programs (PDF).

How to Apply:

To be eligible for an M.J. Foster Promise Award, a student must:

Be 21 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.

What is the award amount for the MJ Foster Promise Program?

The M.J. Foster Promise Program will cover the cost of tuition, required fees, and mandatory books and supplies after all other sources of aid have been applied (excluding student loans, federal work study, and WIOA funds).

The award amount of $3,200 per award year or $1,600 per semester, is for a student enrolled full time. Students can receive a maximum of $6,400 over a period of 3 years. A student may receive the maximum award amount of $6,400 in one year for certain high cost programs. Students can use the M.J. Foster Promise Award beginning July 1 through the following June 30.

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

Questions?

Contact LOSFA staff at [email protected] for more information.

MJ FOSTER PROMISE APPLICATION

COMPLETE FAFSA

APPLY TO LOUISIANA OFFICE OF STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE