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LIFT / TOP Financial Assistance Program
Lift/Top and Scholarship Applications are located in Registration Zone
Summer 2027 Lift/Top Applications will open on Dec 15, 2026 by 12pm Central
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.
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.
Does applying for NCSAs or NFAs automatically make me eligible for Lift/TOP?
No. 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 for an NCSA or NFA 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 for an NCSA or NFA to be considered for this financial assistance.
How are Lift/Top decisions made?
Priority is given to first-time NCSA or NFA students who demonstrate financial need. If funding is available beyond first-time students, we will fund cadets who have already attended an NCSA/NFA for a second student experience.
Priority is given to first-time NCSA or NFA students who demonstrate financial need. If funding is available beyond first-time students, we will fund cadets who have already attended an NCSA/NFA for a second student experience.
When are Lift/TOP decisions made?
After initial 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 receive if I'm selected as a Lift/TOP recipient?
Awardees will be eligible to receive 100% of activity tuition. Tuition will be entered into Registration Zone. Awardees outside the continental US (AK, HI, PR and overseas) are eligible for up to $600 travel reimbursement. Travel reimbursement rules will be communicated to recipients after selection.
Awardees will be eligible to receive 100% of activity tuition. Tuition will be entered into Registration Zone. Awardees outside the continental US (AK, HI, PR and overseas) are eligible for up to $600 travel reimbursement. Travel reimbursement rules will be communicated to recipients after selection.
How many Lift/Top awards can I receive each season?
One.
Is there a maximum number of Lift/Top awards I can receive?
Yes. Cadets may receive Lift/Top a maximum of two times over the course of their cadet career.
Yes. Cadets may receive Lift/Top a maximum of two times over the course of their cadet career.
Lift: Need-based program supporting cadets at week-long career exploration activities (NCSAs).
TOP: Needs-based program supporting cadets at week-long CAP national flight academies.
Must meet basic eligibility requirements:
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Be a current CAP Cadet in good standing.
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Apply in Registration Zone by the stated deadline: 6 October by 12pm Central for Winter 2027 activities and 15 January by 12pm Central for Summer 2027 activities.
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Apply for NCSA and/or NFA via Registration Zone in eServices.
How to Apply:
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Log onto eServices.
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Apply for the Lift Top Financial Assistance Application for NCSAs Event in Registration Zone.
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Follow all instructions to submit your application and register.
