This article is intended to help Missouri families understand the eligibility requirements for the MOScholars Program.
Quick Links
- Basic Eligibility Requirements
- Additional Qualification Requirements
- Annual Eligibility Verification
- When Eligibility Ends
Basic Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the MOScholars Program, a student must:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Grade Level | Be a K–12 student |
| Residency | Be a resident of Missouri |
| Citizenship Status | Not be an illegal alien |
In addition to the requirements above, students must meet at least one of the qualification pathways outlined below.
Additional Qualification Requirements
A student must meet one of the following eligibility pathways.
Pathway 1: Individualized Education Program (IEP)
The student has an approved Individualized Education Program (IEP) developed under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Important: Students with Individual Services Plans (ISPs) that were not developed under IDEA are not eligible through this pathway.
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Pathway 2: Income-Based Eligibility
The student is a member of a household whose total annual income does not exceed 300% of the income standard used to qualify for free and reduced-price lunches.
The student must also meet at least one of the following requirements:
- Attended a public school as a full-time student for at least one semester during the previous twelve months; or
- Be eligible to begin kindergarten or first grade; or
- Be the sibling of a qualified student who received a scholarship grant in the previous school year and will receive a scholarship grant in the current school year.
Annual Eligibility Verification
Eligibility must be reverified each year to continue participating in the MOScholars Program.
Families may be required to provide updated documentation during the renewal process.
When Eligibility Ends
A student's eligibility will end if any of the following occurs:
| Eligibility Ends When... |
|---|
| The student is no longer a Missouri resident |
| The student graduates or withdraws from the program |
| The student enrolls in a public school operated by, or a charter school located within, the student's district of residence |
| The student commits an intentional program violation, including misrepresentation of information or misuse of program funds |
Important Reminder
Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee a scholarship award. All applications are subject to program requirements, available funding, and the application review process.