Arkansas Teacher Opportunity Program (TOP)

Eligibility

• Be an Arkansas resident for 12 months before the application deadline and a US citizen or permanent resident.
• Maintain an Arkansas teacher/administrator license and qualifying Arkansas employment, with intent to continue. Linked rules include librarians/media specialists, guidance counselors and administrators.
• Take approved college courses at an eligible Arkansas institution directly related to employment; correspondence courses are excluded by the rules.
• Earn at least a 2.5 GPA or approved equivalent in funded coursework. A single course requires at least B; two courses require at least B and C; dissertation coursework requires Pass. This is not an overall high-school GPA gate.

Requirements

• Apply through SAMS by July 1, 2027. June 1 is the priority document date; final supporting documents must be postmarked by July 15.
• Provide course transcript, itemized charges and paid receipts; include syllabus if requesting book reimbursement.
• Only your own qualifying out-of-pocket costs are reimbursable. Costs covered by scholarships, grants or third-party aid do not qualify.
• Confirm the eligible terms with ADHE: sponsor page defines the academic year as summer/fall/spring, but linked rules use fall/spring/summer.
• Reapply annually; reimbursement and priority subject areas are subject to available funds.

How to Apply

1. 1Confirm approved courses, term grouping, licensure and employment eligibility before requesting reimbursement.
2. 2Submit the SAMS TOP application during the October 1–July 1 annual window.
3. 3Upload transcript, itemized statement, receipts and any required syllabus before the document deadlines.
4. 4ADHE reviews course grades and personally paid eligible costs; approved funds go directly to the applicant.