Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

College of Human Sciences and Education

Document Type

Dissertation

Abstract

Perhaps now more than ever, merit-based financial aid is vital to the economic well-being of states. In Louisiana, many high school students do not have the same access and aid to post-secondary education, therefore permanent and sustainable changes are needed to the Louisiana TOPS program to remove barriers and address student needs. The purpose of this study is to provide an account of the Louisiana TOPS program, explore whether TOPS contributes to the persistent disparities across different socioeconomic groups in college participation and completion, and if the TOPS program alleviates brain drain of the workforce.

This study employed a case study methodology with an emphasis on capturing the perceptions and lived experiences of the participants who are TOPS recipients. The research questions also focused on the perception and accessibility provided to students and support given within the student’s social and cultural context. The research participants consisted of 13 public university students who were TOPS recipients. Following the analysis of the interviews, five themes emerged. Finally, the study concludes with implications for theory and practice and recommendations for future research to better understand Louisiana’s TOPS program.

Date

4-2-2025

Committee Chair

Blanchard, Joy L.

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