The purpose of this program is to provide a need-based component to the state's financial aid plan to support nontraditional and low to moderate-income students who need additional aid to afford the cost of attending college.

TOPS (Taylor Opportunity Program for Students) is a program of state scholarships for Louisiana residents who attend either one of the Louisiana Public Colleges and Universities, schools that are a part of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, Louisiana approved Proprietary and Cosmetology Schools or institutions that are a part of the Louisiana Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.

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.

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help in paying for school.