PRESS RELEASE
Treasurer Malek Urges Families to Complete MOScholars Applications Before April 3 Deadline
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tianna Brooks, 573-751-5390
JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Missouri Treasurer Vivek Malek is reminding families statewide that the first application window for the MOScholars program for the 2026–2027 academic year closes this Friday, April 3, at 5:00 PM CST. The MOScholars application portal opened on October 1, 2025, and has provided thousands of families with an extended opportunity to plan ahead, gather required documentation, and apply for scholarships well before the upcoming school year. Families who want to be considered during this first application window must submit an application by the Friday deadline.
“This early application period has been a tremendous success,” said Treasurer Malek. “By opening the portal sooner, we’ve given families the clarity and confidence they need to make important educational decisions, and the response has been historic. With the first window closing soon, I strongly encourage eligible families to finish their applications now.”
ABOUT MOSCHOLARS
Established in 2021, the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program (MESAP), known as MOScholars, provides scholarships to eligible students through contributions made to certified not-for-profit Educational Assistance Organizations (EAOs). These scholarships can be used for tuition at eligible schools, as well as for a variety of educational services and support.
WHO CAN APPLY?
To qualify, students must meet one of the following criteria (Section 166.700, RSMo):
1. Have an approved Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or Individual Service Plan (ISP) developed under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) within the last 36 months.
2. Live in a household with income not exceeding 300% of the federal free and reduced lunch threshold and meet one of the following:
(a) Attended public school full-time for at least one semester in the past 12 months.
(b) Be eligible to begin kindergarten or first grade.
(c) Be a sibling of a current MOScholars recipient.
HOW TO APPLY
1. Identify a School: Choose the school your child wishes to attend.
2. Contact an EAO: Reach out to a certified Educational Assistance Organization affiliated with your chosen school. EAOs will conduct a prescreening to determine eligibility.
3. Complete the Application: If eligible, the EAO will provide access to the MOScholars online application portal.
4. Submit Required Documents: Applicants must provide proof of income, residency, and any applicable IEP/ISP documentation. A valid Social Security Number or ITIN is also required (from parents only).
5. Sign the Parent Participation Agreement: This agreement outlines the responsibilities of scholarship recipients.
Note: Returning scholars must renew their scholarship annually through their EAO, complete the required satisfaction survey, and submit standardized testing results.
RESOURCES
Families are encouraged to review the MOScholars Parent Handbook for detailed guidance on eligibility, allowable expenses, and the application process. The handbook is available at the MOScholars Resources and Documents Tab.
For more information, visit: treasurer.mo.gov/MOScholars
