A+ Schools Program

Requirements

Financial Incentives

Students who graduate from an A+ designated high school may qualify for a state-paid financial incentive to attend any public community college or career/technical school in Missouri if the students successfully meet the requirements. In addition, some four year institutions may offer financial incentives for students who meet A+ criteria.

A+ students are under no obligation to use the A+ financial benefits. The benefits are earned by each individual student and are not transferable to any other student. Receipt of private scholarships will not affect an A+ participant’s eligibility for benefits.

Financial need is not a factor in determining an A+ participants eligibility for A+ benefits. However, an A+ participant is required to complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to determine eligibility for non-payback financial aid (i.e. Pell Grant, Missouri State Grant, Supplementary Education Opportunity Grant). Visit www.fafsa.ed.gov for details.

A student who graduates at the end of the first semester of his or her senior year is eligible to receive A+ funds for the semester immediately following, as long as the student has met all program eligibility requirements.

Educational incentives will be provided as long as state funds are appropriated by the legislature.

Accessing Tuition Benefits and Maintaining Eligibility

A certified A+ student who has graduated from a Scott City High School has a four-year window in which to take advantage of the financial incentives. To be eligible for incentives, participants must:

  • Complete and submit the Request for A+ Incentives form. The window for submitting this form is May 1-20 of the year of graduation. The form is available in the A+ Office.

  • Be verified by the A+ Coordinator and certified as eligible for A+ incentives.

  • Be notified in writing as to approval or denial of their eligibility to receive A+ incentives. If denied, the participant will be provided with reason for the denial.

  • Have name and social security number submitted to the State Department of Elementary and Secondary education, A+ Division.

  • Inform the post-secondary institution to which they have made application of their intent to use the financial incentives. The institution will prepare the necessary paperwork and bill the State of Missouri.

  • Enroll and attend on a full-time basis a Missouri public community college or vocational- technical school.

  • Maintain a grade point average of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale while attending any post-secondary institution.

  • Complete and submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) for each year the student is enrolled in school.

Suggested Timeline