INFORMATION
EXCEPTIONAL FUNDING PROGRAM

A unique aspect of the NTSAF is the Exceptional Funding Program.  The purpose of the exceptional funding program is to provide financial assistance to Topping Scholars as they advance in their particular field or career. To eligible for the program, Topping Scholars need to be in good standing with the Fund and fill out the proper forms.  Exceptional Funding Applications are processed by the NTSAF staff and reviewed by the Governing Board whereas Exceptional Funding Requests are approved by the Assistant Director.

NTSAF Exceptional Funding Applications:

Conference Travel
Twice in their tenure Topping Scholars are eligible to have their conference travel subsidized by the Fund.  For the application to be approved, the Topping Scholars need to submit a statement describing how the conference aligns to their academic field of interest.  The Exceptional Funding Program covers air travel (if applicable), conference registration, a subsidy for hotel accommodations, and a meal stipend.  Topping Scholars have had the opportunity to attend academic conferences in Japan, the United Kingdom, Dubai, Rwanda, New York, Florida, and Washington, D.C. to name a few. 

Graduate Preparatory Course Fees
To facilitate the attainment of advanced degrees by scholars, the NTSAF is able to cover the cost of their graduate preparatory courses.  Along with the application, Topping Scholars need to submit a statement how the test in question (i.e. GRE, LSAT, GMAT, MCAT) is a step towards their professional and academic development. 

Summer School Tuition Assistance
The NTSAF scholarship is available only for the Fall and Spring semesters.  However, Topping scholars can apply to receive up to 4 units of tuition covered through the Summer Tuition Assistance Program.

NTSAF Exceptional Funding Request:

Lunch with Faculty or other Academic Instructor
Given the chance that the NTSAF Faculty-Student Luncheon may conflict with a class or other academic program, scholars are able to have lunch with a faculty member or academic instructor on campus subsidized by the Fund.  This option is only available if the scholar provides written documentation of such conflict.

Professional and Honor Society Membership Fees
To support Topping Scholars in their professional endeavors, NTSAF sponsors their membership to professional and/or academic organizations.  This sponsorship is effective throughout their tenure with the Fund.

Academic Journal Subscriptions
Each year Topping Scholars are eligible to receive an academic journal subscription subsidized by NTSAF.  The academic journal serves as a supplement to the academic goals of the Topping Scholars and is expected to enhance their professional development.

Graduate Exam Fees
Similar to the Graduate Course Fee Application, the Graduate Exam Fee Request aims at assisting Topping Scholars in the pursuit of their academic and professional goals.  Twice in their tenure, Topping Scholars are eligible to have exam fees subsidized by the Fund.