The Senate on Monday passed two bills that would create new TOPS awards, giving students a second chance to receive the popular scholarships, The Manship News Service reports. The bills are consistent with recommendations by the TOPS Task Force.
Sen. Wesley Bishop, D-New Orleans, proposed an award for students who did not qualify for TOPS upon completion of high school, but scored at least 17 on ACT. There are currently 82 students who would qualify. Bishop estimated that his bill, which passed the Senate by a 20-15 vote, would cost about $445,000.
Meanwhile, Sen. Bodi White, R-Baton Rouge, proposed a TOPS award for community college students who plan to enroll in four-year institutions after earning an associate degree within two years of accepting the award. Currently, 79 students would qualify for the award. White said he does not know what the cost would be in the long run. His bill passed the Senate by a 26-9 vote.
