Scholarships and Grant Programs in Missouri

The majority of the funding for Missouri scholarships and Grants is through the Missouri Department of Higher Education, or MDHE. They provide services to colleges and universities.

The organization’s primary goal is education and making sure that students have the means and support to succeed. They also regulate, address, and set policies that pertain to education.

Missouri Minority Teaching Scholarship Program

Students majoring in Education are eligible for the Missouri Minority Teaching Scholarship Program. They have requirements to meet in order to be applicable.

The student must be:

• a U.S. citizen
• a minority of African, Asian, Hispanic, or Native American descent
• a Missouri resident
• in the top 25% as a high school graduate and college student
• an Adult returning to school who was in the top 25% during high school
• in the top 25% with their ACT and SAT scores
• students who have already completed 30 hours of college or have a 3.0 GPA
• anyone with a baccalaureate who is taking a math or science education program
• enrolled full time
• willing to teach at a Missouri public school for five years after graduation

The student must maintain the application requirements and academic excellence to remain eligible for renewal. Download an application from the Missouri Department of Higher Education website.

The Missouri Higher Education Academic Scholarship or “Bright Flight”

This is a program for high school students with test scores in the top 3% of the ACT or SAT exams. Students may be eligible for up to $2000.

There is no application to fill out for this program. Acceptance is contingent on your ACT or SAT scores. When the student takes the ACT or SAT exams, scores are submitted to the Missouri Department of Higher Education. The process usually takes about six to eight weeks to complete. After assessment, eligible students will receive an approval letter through the mail in the spring of their senior year of high school.

Marguerite Ross Barnett Memorial Scholarship

Students must complete an application called the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. This application can be completed online, mailed to you, or picked up at the financial aid office of your school.

Eligibility requirements are strict and you must be:

• enrolled at least half time or 6-11 credit hours
• need aid financially
• working at least 20 hours per week
• at least 18 years of age
• a permanent citizen of Missouri and the United States

You cannot be:

• enrolled in a theology or divinity program
• receiving or have received a bachelor’s degree
• completing or have completed 150 credit hours
• in a Title IV College Work Study program

The FAFSA is located online. An application for the scholarship is at the school’s financial aid department.

Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program

This is an award given by the state, federal, or any philanthropic organization. This scholarship is based on financial need and is determined by completing a FAFSA. The EFC, Expected Family Contribution, will determine the amount awarded to the student. The scholarship amount will also depend on what type of institution the student attends.

These are the award amounts for each institution:

• Public two-year can receive awards between $300- $1000
• Public four-year and Linn State Technical College will receive awards between $1,000- $2,150
• Private schooling will receive between $2,000- $4,600

Application for this award is through FAFSA only and is automatically sent to the MDHE if eligible. The school will then give the final approval and certify the student’s eligibility. After school approval, the MDHE will disburse funds.

Project 21 Scholarship Program

For the last fourteen years, the Missouri Gaming Board has set up a scholarship contest for high school students. This contest involves students making articles, posters, and videos in hopes of educating young people about the damage underage gambling can do to their lives. Project 21 will award two winners of the contest $1,500 and four others $1,000 for making the best projects.

Projects must be on display or viewed between January 1 and February 28 of each year.

• Articles published in the one of the student’s school newspapers, magazines, or publications. You will submit two copies of the published articles to the contest.
• Posters displayed for one full week and a written essay addressing underage gambling. A signed letter from the administrator, stating that the poster was displayed in the school.
• Other classmates should view a video, between one to five minutes long. A letter written and signed by the administrator submitted with the video.

Submit projects and application by March 5.

Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship (All States)

High school students can apply for this scholarship. This program awards $1,500 per qualified student. It is important to know that you must file a Statement of Selective Service Registration with your college. This scholarship has to be renewed every school year.

Student must be:

• a graduate of a secondary public or private school, or have a GED
• a citizen or have permanent residence in the United States
• a resident of the state applying in
• attending or will attend a college or university
• not be in default of federal student loans or any other program

Call your state education agency for the application.

Missouri Teacher Education Scholarship

This program is for students attending school for education and teaching. To be eligible the student must be:

• a Missouri resident
• a high school senior
• attending a four-year college or university full time
• in the top 15% of their high school class
• SAT or ACT score in the top 15%

The application must have an essay, three recommendations, and all transcripts submitted with it. It is mandatory that the test scores and class rank be highlighted from the seventh semester transcript.

Please be advised that you must work in an elementary or secondary public school for five years after graduation or a $1,000 of the scholarship has to be repaid.

For the application, go to the website located here. Click on the link for the application underneath the application memo.

Kids’ Chance Scholarship Program

This is a scholarship for the children of injured or deceased workers who had a work-related accident covered by workers’ compensation. You will need a FAFSA and EFC of $12,000 or less to receive this award.

Must be:

• a United States citizen, permanent resident, or legally able to live in the country
• a Missouri resident
• between 17 and 22
• attending at least half-time in a Missouri school

Three things will determine the amount of the award:

• The total tuition the school will charge as a Missouri resident for the number of credit hours enrolled for a semester
• The total amount of tuition the University of Missouri will charge a Missouri resident enrolled in the same number of credit hours
• The amount Kids’ Chance, Inc. of Missouri will give for its scholarship

Urban Flight and Rural Needs Scholarship Program

This is a scholarship for those pursuing teaching and education. The reward is contingent on University of Missouri’s annual rate, which means the award will vary from year to year.

The Urban Flight and Rural Needs Scholarship will require a commitment of teaching at-risk students at a Missouri public school for a period of eight years. Failure to complete your obligation or finish school will result in repayment of the scholarship.

Requirements:

• United States citizen
• Missouri resident
• High school senior, college freshman, sophomore, junior, or adult student returning to school and attending a community college, four-year college, or university
• Graduate from a Missouri high school with a 2.5 GPA
• Has completed 30 hours at an higher learning institution with 2.5 GPA
• Has a baccalaureate degree with a 2.5 GPA who is returning to take a teaching program

The application is available at your high school or prospective school’s financial aid office. You will need a copy of all your transcripts to submit with the application.

Grants and Other Financial Help

The Pell Grant and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant are federal funds and do not need to be repaid. Awards vary each school year. For example, the award for 2009-2010 is $5,350.

Pell

The amount received is contingent on several things:

• Must show financial need alone or through parents
• Attending an undergraduate college, university, vocational school part time or full time
• Total costs of tuition, board, and books

The application can be located online or you can request it via mail. After it is completed, students select a private PIN, Personal Identifier Number.

Pin usage:

• Electronically sign documents
• Check and update private information
• Make changes to existing applications
• Access grant and loan records online

After completing the application, a Student Aid Report or SAR is produced. It is either emailed or mailed to you. A report that does not require corrections will contain an EFC. This will help determine the amount of the award. The report is automatically sent to your school of choice.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

A supplemental federal grant that does not need to repaid. Students already receiving Pell Grants are top priority. Award amounts are between $100 and $4,000.

Requirements are:

• Having a very low EFC
• When you apply
• Your school’s funding
• The policies of the financial aid department

Your school must participate in this program in order to receive it.

Academic Competitiveness Grant

A new federal grant that started in 2006 for students taking programs considered very difficult. The criteria and requirements are strict.

The student must:

• be an eligible U.S. or non-citizen
• be receiving the Pell Grant
• be attending at least half-time as a first or second year undergraduate, or taking at least one year in a two or four year college
• be taking a degree or qualified certificate program
• not be previously enrolled in a Academic Competitiveness Grant eligible program as a first year student and had below acceptable grades and attendance
• not be below a 3.0 GPA as a second year student

For programs that have approval for this grant, go to the website located here.

National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant

This program, also known as the National Smart Grant, provides up to $4,000 for undergraduates.

The eligibility requirements are as follows:

• Student must be an eligible U.S. or non-citizen
• Already receiving the Pell Grant
• Attending at least half-time in the third or fourth year of a degree program
• Must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA from second year until graduation
• Must major in one of these programs: life sciences, physical sciences, computer sciences, mathematics, technology, engineering, critical foreign language, or non-major single liberal arts programs

Visit the website for more information and a list of programs accepted by this grant.

Public Service Officer or Employee’s Child Survivor Grant Program

This program provides funding for injured or permanently disabled public safety officers. It also assists family members if a public safety officer is killed in the line of duty.

Other requirements:

• Attending a full time undergraduate program or part time if disabled
• Children are to be no older than 24 years of age
• Maintain satisfactory grades
• A Missouri and United States resident or permanent resident
• Cannot take a theology or divinity program
• Do not have a bachelor’s degree

The grant reward will determined by:

• Actual tuition costs at your school
• Amount received by an undergraduate at the same level and major at the University of Missouri-Columbia

Download the application here.

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