PRESS RELEASE
Court Upholds MOScholars Program, Protecting Educational Options for Missouri Families
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tianna Brooks
Phone: 573-751-5390
Jefferson City, MO — Missouri State Treasurer Vivek Malek today celebrated a ruling by the Cole County Circuit Court dismissing with prejudice legal challenges to the MOScholars program, handing a clear victory to Missouri families and reaffirming the state’s commitment to educational choice. The court’s decision rejected a lawsuit filed by the Missouri National Education Association that sought to halt scholarship distributions and dismantle the MOScholars program. With the dismissal, the program will continue uninterrupted, providing families with expanded opportunities to choose educational options that best meet their children’s needs.
“This decision is a decisive victory for Missouri families and for the principle that parents, not the government, know what educational environment is best for their children,” said Treasurer Vivek Malek. “For thousands of Missouri families, this program is a lifeline long sought after.”
During the current school year, MOScholars supports more than 6,000 students statewide, helping families afford tuition, tutoring, and specialized educational services. The program works in partnership with a diverse range of educational providers, including public schools, private schools, and family-paced education programs.
Upon the ruling, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway also praised the decision and its impact on families across the state.
“Today is a huge win for parents and students. This ruling removed roadblocks and gives kids the chance to get the education they deserve. This fight has always been about meeting the needs of more families and giving Missouri students access to new educational opportunities.”
Treasurer Malek expressed his appreciation for General Hanaway and her team for their successful defense of the program on behalf of Missourians.
“I am grateful to General Hanaway for standing up for Missouri families and defending educational choice,” Treasurer Malek said. “Because of this ruling, parents can move forward with certainty and confidence, knowing their freedom to choose has been upheld.”
Demand for MOScholars continues to grow rapidly. Participation in the program increased by 140 percent during the 2025–2026 school year, and nearly 10,000 new applications have already been received for the upcoming 2026–2027 program year, positioning it to be the most impactful year in the program’s history. The Missouri State Treasurer’s Office will continue administering MOScholars and expanding awareness of the program’s benefits to ensure more families across the state can access the educational options their children deserve.
For more information, visit: treasurer.mo.gov/MOScholars
