The Teacher Opportunity Program (TOP) offers tuition reimbursement grants to Arkansas teachers and administrators. Teachers and administrators may apply for reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses paid for up to six (6) college credit hours completed for each academic year, not to exceed $3000 (The academic year is defined as summer, fall, and spring semesters, in that order, per ADHE). Unfortunately, payments made with scholarships, grants, or aid given through a third party is not considered for reimbursement.
Who is eligible?
An applicant must:
- be an Arkansas resident (at least 12 months prior to enrollment and a US citizen/lawful permanent resident)
- have and maintain a current teacher and/or administrator license with the Arkansas Department of Education
- be employed as a classroom teacher or administrator in Arkansas and declare intention to continue such employment in Arkansas
- be enrolled in an approved institution of higher education in Arkansas
- be enrolled in a college level course(s) directly related to employment
- have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA in the course(s) funded by the TOP Reimbursement Grant during the application period
Recipients must reapply and meet all eligibility requirements each year.
What must I provide?
- college transcript for the semester(s) they are seeking reimbursement
- itemized statement of charges for semester(s) they are seeking reimbursement
- copy of the paid receipt for the semester(s) they are seeking reimbursement
- copy of syllabus if seeking reimbursement for books