PRESS RELEASE
MOScholars Stands Strong Against Initial Legal Challenge: Treasurer Vivek Malek Champions Educational Freedom for Missouri Families
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tianna Brooks, 573-751-5390
Jefferson City, MO — Missouri State Treasurer Vivek Malek today celebrated a decisive victory for educational freedom following a Cole County Circuit Court decision that preserved the MOScholars program against an initial legal challenge. As the administrator of MOScholars, Treasurer Malek has championed the program as a transformative tool for Missouri families—especially those whose children face learning challenges or require specialized educational support. The program is set to serve more than 6,000 students across the state this school year, providing scholarships that help cover tuition, tutoring, and other essential services. MOScholars works in partnership with a diverse range of educational providers, including public schools, private schools, and family-paced education programs, ensuring that families have the flexibility to choose the learning environment that best meets their child’s needs.
“This is more than a legal victory—it’s a victory for Missouri families,” said Treasurer Malek. “MOScholars is about giving parents the freedom to choose the educational path that best fits their child’s needs. That freedom should never be taken away—not by bureaucrats, and certainly not by union bosses.”
The legal challenge, brought by the Missouri National Education Association (MNEA), aimed to block the distribution of $51 million in scholarship funds. Treasurer Malek condemned the effort as a blatant attempt to protect special interests at the expense of Missouri children.
“It’s clear the MNEA isn’t fighting for students—they’re fighting for their union overlords,” Treasurer Malek said. “While they try to preserve a one-size-fits-all system, we’re focused on empowering families with real choices and real opportunities.”
Treasurer Malek emphasized that MOScholars is a lifeline for families who need more than what the traditional system can offer—whether it’s access to reading tutors, therapy services, or schools that understand and support children with unique needs.
“The families we serve are not statistics—they are parents and children who deserve better,” Treasurer Malek added. “MOScholars gives them hope, and I will not allow that hope to be taken away.”
The Treasurer’s Office remains confident in the program’s legal foundation and its alignment with Missouri’s values of choice, opportunity, and innovation in education.
Treasurer Malek concluded, “As long as I serve as Treasurer, I will fight to ensure that every Missouri family has the freedom to choose the education that helps their children thrive.”
