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LIFT / TOP Financial Assistance Program
Lift/TOP Financial Assistance Programs Overview & FAQ
What is Lift/TOP?
These programs allow cadets who are applying for National Cadet Special Activities (NCSAs) or National Flight Academies (NFAs) to also apply for need-based financial assistance. Priority is given to cadets documenting the greatest financial need.
These programs allow cadets who are applying for National Cadet Special Activities (NCSAs) or National Flight Academies (NFAs) to also apply for need-based financial assistance. Priority is given to cadets documenting the greatest financial need.
Does applying for NCSAs or NFAs automatically make me eligible for Lift/TOP?
Cadets who wish to be considered for Lift/TOP financial assistance must submit the Lift/TOP application. This is separate from the NCSA and/or NFA activity application. Please see "How to Apply" directions for each program below.
If I apply for Lift/TOP, does this mean my activity is automatically paid for?
No. Applying for Lift/TOP does not guarantee funding will be awarded. Applicants will be notified if they are a Lift/TOP recipient after slotting takes place. Applicants must be slotted to be considered for this financial assistance.
No. Applying for Lift/TOP does not guarantee funding will be awarded. Applicants will be notified if they are a Lift/TOP recipient after slotting takes place. Applicants must be slotted to be considered for this financial assistance.
When are Lift/TOP decisions made?
After slotting takes place, Lift/TOP applications are reviewed and recipients are selected. All available funding is allocated at that initial slotting phase. No additional funding will be available for alternates that are slotted at a later date.
What financial assistance would I received if I'm a Lift/TOP recipient?
Awardees will be eligible to receive activity tuition and a travel reimbursement allowance. Tuition will be entered into Registration Zone. Travel reimbursement rules will be communicated to recipients after selection.
Awardees will be eligible to receive activity tuition and a travel reimbursement allowance. Tuition will be entered into Registration Zone. Travel reimbursement rules will be communicated to recipients after selection.
How many Lift/Top awards can I receive each season?
One.
Lift Program
Need-based program supporting cadets at week-long career exploration activities (NCSAs).
Must meet basic eligibility requirements:
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Be a current CAP Cadet in good standing.
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Apply via CadetInvest in eServices by the stated deadline: 8 October for Winter 2026 activities and 15 January for Summer 2026 activities.
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Apply for NCSA via Registration Zone in eServices.
How to Apply:
- Log onto eServices.
- From the CAP Utilities on the left side, select "Cadet Programs," and then select the "CadetInvest" application
- Go through each of the five steps, making sure you complete everything.
- Skip step 6, no Supplemental documents needed for Lift applicants. Be sure to check upload requirements, if applying for any other programs or scholarships.
- Go to even step 7 and submit the application prior to the published deadline.
