Creates a new Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) award, the TOPS Transfer Award, and raises grade point average and ACT score required for initial eligibility for a TOPS Opportunity Award (EG DECREASE GF EX See Note)
Impact
The legislative changes proposed in HB 413 are expected to impact state laws related to education funding and merit-based scholarship programs significantly. By increasing the GPA requirement for the Opportunity Award from 2.50 to 2.75 and raising the ACT score requirement from the state's average (no less than 20) to a minimum of 21, the bill aims to ensure that scholarship recipients are adequately prepared for higher education. This change may also influence the overall academic achievements of high school students aiming for financial aid in Louisiana, potentially raising education standards across the state.
Summary
House Bill 413 proposes significant revisions to the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) in Louisiana. It introduces a new scholarship category known as the TOPS Transfer Award, which allows students transferring from certain postsecondary institutions to continue receiving financial assistance. This new award is designed to provide additional support for students by granting them equivalent funding to the TOPS-Tech Award for the initial two years and the Opportunity Award for any remaining semesters. The bill also raises the minimum high school GPA and ACT score required for eligibility for the existing Opportunity Award, reflecting an effort to enhance academic standards for scholarship recipients.
Sentiment
Overall sentiment surrounding Bill 413 appears mixed. Supporters argue that higher standards for scholarship eligibility will foster a more academically accomplished student body, ultimately benefiting the state’s educational landscape. Conversely, critics express concern that such changes could disproportionately affect lower-income students, who may struggle to meet the heightened standards. The debate illustrates the ongoing tension between academic rigor and accessibility to higher education funding in Louisiana.
Contention
The introduction of the TOPS Transfer Award has raised discussions regarding the implications for students transferring from two-year to four-year institutions. While the bill seeks to offer a safety net for these students, some legislators point out that the new funding model might complicate existing financial aid processes. Additionally, the overall increase in GPA and ACT score requirements for existing awards has caused concern among advocates for educational equality, who warn that these changes could limit opportunities for many potential applicants.
Raises the minimum grade point average required for initial eligibility for a Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) Opportunity Award (EG DECREASE GF EX See Note)
Raises grade point average required to maintain eligibility for the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) Opportunity Award (EG DECREASE GF EX See Note)
Raises the minimum GPA required for initial eligibility for a Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) Opportunity Award and provides for exceptions granted with respect to enrollment requirements for initial and continuing eligibility (OR DECREASE GF EX See Note)
Adjusts certain academic requirements for maintaining eligibility for certain Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) awards (OR DECREASE GF EX See Note)
Adds the Excellence award level for students who score 31 or higher on the ACT and allows award qualification based on the Classic Learning Test (EN +$3,012,092 SG EX See Note)
Provides relative to Taylor Opportunity Program for Students award payments for first-time recipients qualifying on or after July 1, 2017 (OR -$7,662,000 GF EX See Note)