• The A+ Program is regulated by the Missouri Department of Higher Education (MDHE). 
    The main emphasis of the program is to provide scholarship funds for eligible graduates who attend a participating public community college or vocational/technical school, or certain private 2-year vocational/technical schools. 
    More information about the program can be found by clicking     here to visit the official MDHE A+ page.

    Please check this website frequently as policy and legislation is subject to change.

    A+ scholarship money is contingent upon state funding. 

    A student can sign up for the A+ Program at any time between grades 9-11.  12th grade students must enroll no later than the beginning of the 2nd semester of the year so they have sufficient time to complete their tutoring hours.  Early enrollment is encouraged since all of the requirements for the program date back to the first day of 9th grade.

     

    Students who would like to enroll in the A+ program can pick up an agreement packet from the high school counseling office.

     

  • High School Eligibility Requirements

    • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
    • Enter into a written agreement with your high school prior to graduation.
    • Attend a designated A+ high school for 2 years prior to graduation.
    • Graduate from an A+ designated high school with an overall unweighted GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
    • Have at least a 95% attendance record overall for grades 9-12.
    • Perform at least 50 hours of unpaid tutoring or mentoring.  25% may include job shadowing prior to graduation.
    • Maintain a record of good citizenship which includes the unlawful use of drugs and/or alcohol.
    • Sign up for selective service if you are a male who has turned 18.
    • Make a good faith effort to secure all available federal financial aid by completing the FAFSA.
    • *Achieve a score of advanced or proficient on the Algebra I end of course exam or a higher level DESE approved end of course exam in the field of mathematics.

     

  • *If you meet all requirements except the Algebra I end of course exam requirement you may establish eligibility by achieving a combined ACT math subscore and high school GPA in accordance with the following scale.

    ACT MATH SCORE 17 OR GREATER & GPA OF 2.5 OR HIGHER

    ACT MATH SCORE 16 OR GREATER & GPA OF 2.8 OR HIGHER

    ACT MATH SCORE 15 OR GREATER & GPA OF 3.0 OR HIGHER

     

    Click here to see a list of eligible A+ community colleges and technical schools

     

    4-year schools may offer their own type of scholarship to students who have completed the A+ program.  This is decided by each individual school and can change from year to year.  Please contact the admissions office of the school that you are interested in to see if they offer an A+ scholarship.

    Click here to see a list of 4-year colleges that may offer an A+ scholarship

     

    Tutoring Options - 50 Hours Required

    1. Management & Internship Class 

    The purpose of this class is to allow students time during the day to tutor.  During a student's junior or senior year they will be placed with a teacher at West Plains Elementary, West Plains Middle School or one of the neighboring K-8 school districts (Fairview, Glenwood, Howell Valley, Junction Hill, Richards).

    2. Boys & Girls Club

    Students can tutor at the Boys & Girls Club of West Plains.  If a student is interested in this option then they must contact the A+ Coordinator before they begin any tutoring.  If you would like to learn more about the program you can contact the Boys & Girls Club by calling 417.204.2582 or by email at info@bgclubwp.com.

    3. Summer School

    Students must contact the A+ coordinator if they would like to tutor at West Plains or one of the rural schools during summer school.  The A+ coordinator can help with a tutoring assignment or a student can coordinate with a summer school teacher, but final approval must be given by the A+ coordinator.

    4. At School

    Some students choose to tutor during early mornings or late afternoons at one of the schools.  Students must arrange this and then obtain approval from the A+ coordinator.

     

    ADDITIONAL EDUCATIONAL LINKS

    ACT Registration

    American Library Association

    College Board - SAT

    FAFSA Application

    Missouri Bright Flight

    MDHE Grants & Scholarships

    Missouri College & Degree Search

    Resources for Missouri Residents

    Scholarship Search Tips