The Joint Board of Regents and the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) convened on August 20, 2025, to discuss significant updates regarding Louisiana's educational programs, particularly focusing on the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) and new course additions to the university core requirements.

The meeting commenced with a report on proposed course additions to the TOPS University core requirements. Dr. Tristan Dimley presented the updates, highlighting that several new language courses and a social science course from the International Baccalaureate program had been reviewed and accepted by the state's institutions. The motion to approve these additions passed without opposition.

Following this, the board discussed Act 347, which was enacted during the 2025 legislative session. This act aims to enhance the TOPS scholarship program, particularly for high-achieving students. Dr. Dimley explained that the TOPS awards had not been adjusted since 2016-2017, leading to concerns about retaining top students within the state. The new legislation introduces an Excellence Award for students with a core GPA of 3.5 or higher and an ACT score of at least 31, offering up to $12,000 per year to eligible students. Approximately 140 students are expected to benefit from this award in the upcoming academic year.

The board emphasized the importance of tracking the impact of these changes on student retention. Members expressed a desire for timely data to assess whether the new Excellence Award would encourage more high-achieving students to remain in Louisiana for their education. Dr. Dimley assured the board that annual reports would include data on the yield rates of students accepting the awards and their enrollment decisions.

Additionally, the meeting touched on the state's new longitudinal data system, LA First, which will provide insights into the career paths of TOPS recipients and their retention in Louisiana after graduation. This data is anticipated to be available within the next year, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of the effectiveness of the TOPS program in retaining talent within the state.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the Louisiana Board of Regents' commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and retaining high-performing students through strategic legislative changes and data-driven assessments. The board plans to continue monitoring the effects of these initiatives to ensure they meet the needs of students and the state.