The application window for the M.J. Foster Promise Program scholarship is open.

This scholarship is a $10.5 million state fund named after the late Louisiana Gov. Mike J. Foster, and was created to financially support students who are in degree paths that will create professionals who can fill state-determined high-need jobs.

“It assists students in the middle-income range by paying for a large portion, and sometimes all, of their courses,” said Allison Dering, interim executive director of enrollment management and student affairs. “We have all these jobs in Louisiana that need to be filled by skilled workers.”

She said the determined jobs are usually health care-oriented and technical in nature.

The five sectors determined by state are information technology, manufacturing, construction, transportation and warehousing and health care.

M.J. Foster Promise is open for both new and current Sowela Technical Community College students over 21 and in eligible degree paths, such as aviation maintenance, medical assistant, chemical laboratory technology, drafting and design, HVAC training, machine tool technology, nursing (RN), sterile processing, vehicle maintenance.

It is exclusive for two-year public postsecondary institutions and accredited prosperity schools that are licensed by the board in the state of Louisiana.

Last year, the scholarship became available at Sowela. The impact of the financial assistance has already been felt by 75 students.

Clinton Buxton, 46, is one of these students.

He works as a glue mixer at Boise Cascade in Oakdale, but Buxton felt the effects of nationwide declining economic health. “Our hours got cut with the economy, so I don’t make as much.”

“Clinton is a great example of the students that this program helps,” said Dering. “Clinton is working, but because of changes in the economy… Things have been rough over the past few years.”

He has had a lifelong love of building and personal experience in electrical work. “I grew up with my uncles teaching me how to do carpentry work… everything I’ve got on my property, I have run electric to.”

So he decided to further his education by entering the instrumentation and electrical program at Sowela. Without the M.J. Foster program, he doesn’t think an education would have been possible.

The scholarship covered a large portion of his tuition; he paid under $1000.

He should graduate next summer. Not only will the degree allow him to transfer to the maintenance department at Boise Cascade, he will get to be present for his family. “I’ll make more and get more time off to spend with my family and kids.”

He tells his children and foster kids that he works with that education is vital and for all ages. “I tell them they are never too old,” he said. “It is never too late, you can always push to try and get stuff done.”

It is a last dollar award, so funds are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Funds can be used over a period of three years, with an annual maximum award of $3200 and a maximum lifetime award of $6400.

“We encourage students to apply early before the funds run out, so now really is the time to apply for next year,” Dering said.

All applicants required to complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility. After submitting the FAFSA, applicants can visit the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance website to complete the process.

If approved, the award amount will be automatically applied to balance for tuition and fees after all other federal, state and institutional aid applied.

There are many scholarship options available at Sowela, she said. “Even if someone does not necessarily qualify for Foster Promise, our financial aid team does a fantastic job of carefully looking for available funding opportunities, so I would not let eligibility criteria just for one award deter anyone,” she said. “We invite them to come and talk with us, we have staff that are trained and are ready to visit in person.”