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LAPLACE — The St. John the Baptist Parish Economic Development Department announced that the Completers Grant is available to students nearing completion in any degree program, with priority given to students in healthcare, STEM fields and teacher education.

The grant is available to students within 30 hours of completing a degree at a Louisiana public two- or four-year postsecondary institution. The Completers Grant also incentivizes enrollment in and completion of short-term credential programs at two-year institutions. The maximum a student can receive is the total of the tuition, fees and books as set forth on their fee bill. Funds can only be used toward tuition, fees and books.

The grant will not provide more than two consecutive semesters of funding, and each academic institution will determine award amount. The Completers Grant is funded through one-time Governor’s Emergency Education Relief dollars, available through September 30, 2022.

In order to be eligible, applicants must:

• Be a Louisiana resident
• File a FAFSA for the academic year during which the award will be received
• Students that are within 30 years of completing an initial certificate, diploma, associate or bachelor’s degree
• Credit programs- meet the enrolling institution’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy for receipt of Title IV aid
• Non-credit programs – successfully complete courses sufficient to continue in their program of study as determined by the institution
• Be enrolled through the 14^th class day

“Louisiana cannot afford to have students defer their higher education dreams,” said Dr. Kim Hunter Reed, commissioner of higher education. “The Completers Grant will help those who have graduation in sight but may have run out of the funds needed to cross the finish line. The pandemic has certainly impacted the plans of many near-completers. These funds can help get students back on track, aiding them to finish what they started and become graduates.

For more information, visit mylosfa.la.gov.