State Legislative Budget Includes 100% Funding for TOPS
Good news for college students in the state of Louisiana as it appears that the TOPS program will be fully funded.
According to a written statement from governor John Bel Edwards, lawmakers have approved a budget funding TOPS (Taylor Opportunity Program For Students) at 100%.
The governor says "this budget represents an overall compromise. While it still imposes cuts across state government, it does so in a responsible way."
UL Lafayette's Dr. DeWayne Bowie with Enrollment Management says having TOPS fully funded helps with the recruitment of students who were looking elsewhere for fear that the program wouldn't be around.
"It does give us something else to go to those students with and say stay in your state and earn a quality education," says Bowie.
What exactly is the Taylor Plan?
It sets the standard for student achievement in high school, offering students a state-funded, merit-based opportunity to attend college or vocational/technical school. The Plan is a contract between students and the state. Students can earn up to a four-year, state-paid college tuition if they meet specified criteria.