The Jump Start TOPS Tech Career Diploma is designed for those students who desire a Career and Technical education gained while earning their high school diploma.  Following high school graduation, the new graduate may seek employment or continue his or her education at a community college such as Louisiana Delta Community College (LDCC), or a similar institution.

Students graduating with a Jump Start TOPS Tech diploma may, upon receiving a 2-year Associate Degree from a community college such as LDCC or SUSLA be eligible to enroll in a 4-year university, with some or all of the credits applied towards the 4-year degree.

The Jump Start TOPS Tech Career Diploma is ideal for those students who desire to graduate high school with a "credential" (statewide, regional or integrated credential) in a Career or Technical area.  The emphasis is on students successfully attaining this credential and graduating high school College and Career Ready, with college referring to any post-secondary education.  To enter a 4-year university with a Jump Start diploma, the student would need to first earn a 2 year degree from a Community College such as LDCC or SUSLA.  UL-Lafayette requires a at least a 2.25 GPA and an ACT Composite score of at least 20 from Associate Degree (2 year) students for admission as transfer students.

The requirements to earn a Jump Start TOPS Tech Diploma are:

1 - COURSEWORK

4 English Courses (English I, English II, and 2 other English courses)

4 Math Courses, including Algebra I, and three other math courses (do NOT have to be Geometry, Algebra II and Advanced Math)

2 Science Courses (Biology must be one of the two)

2 Social Studies Courses (Civics and US History)

1½ credits in PE, ½ credit in Health

9 credits in Universal Electives (Speech, Law Studies, etc.), a Career Readiness course (Career Foundations or Agriscience I),  and electives specific to a pathway

2 - CREDENTIALS

Students must earn credentials in the Jump Start pathway chosen. Statewide pathways, such as Welding, require earning a statewide credential in the pathway (at least Welding Level 1). Regional pathways, such as Business Management, require earning a regional credential, which includes a Core Credential and two Complementary Credentials. Integrated Pathways allow students to earn either a Statewide Credential OR a Regional Credential.  CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS MUST BE MET IN ORDER TO GRADUATE. Please view each pathway for more information.

Lincoln Prep School offers 8 Jump Start pathways to its students.  Click each link below to find out more.

Carpenter

Emergency Medical Technician/ First Responder

Welder

Certified Nurse Assistant

Hospitality, Tourism, Culinary and Retail

Manufacturing, Construction, Crafts and Logistics

Micro-Enterprise (may include Cosmetology/Barbering)

Business Management