Brent Burke, A+ counselor at Gallatin R-5 High School, along with the approximate 120 high school students who have signed up for the A+ program, can do little more than wait for the Missouri Department of Higher Education to assess the magnitude of a funding shortfall.
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The A+ program gives high school graduates who meet necessary criteria money for two years of classes at community college. The program began in Gallatin over ten years ago and has helped hundreds of area students earn a degree throughout the years.
The MDHE may not be reimbursing students for as many course hours as in previous years. A+ students enrolled in college courses may have to pay for up to four credit hours out of their own pocket after the first of the year.
This means that college students enrolled in 15 credit hours in the spring would be reimbursed by A+ for only 11 of those hours, according to information sent out by the department.
Mr. Burke said he must wait for the final numbers from MDHE to be modified and refined to know the full impact of the reduction, but in the meantime is doing what he can to prepare students for the possibility.
To qualify for the A+ program students must maintain a 2.5 GPA in high school, have a 95% attendance record and perform 50 hours of un-paid tutoring or mentoring.
“This is my first year as A+ Coordinator at Gallatin High School,” said Mr. Burke. “I will soon be attending an A+ meeting to gather more information. A letter of explanation will then be sent to the A+ students and parents as we gather more information. We also have information posted on the school’s website under the ‘counselor’s corner.’”
During the 2014 Legislative session, the General Assembly approved an increase for the A+ Scholarship program. In 2015, the state budgeted $35 million for the program, a $5 million increase over fiscal year 2014. But Gov. Jay Nixon has imposed spending restrictions in many areas in anticipation of a possible revenue shortfall, including withholding $2 million from the A+ program budget.
The A+ program will pay student tuition (maximum of $158 per credit hour) to any Missouri public community college, vocational, or technical school as long as the student enrolls full-time within 48 months after graduation from high school. The restriction in A+ funding would mean that students or parents would have to find a way to pay for four credit hours. Some community colleges charge less than $158 per credit hour. Students or parents would have to find a way to pay roughly between $500-$600 for the four credit hours.
The best possible outcome would be a change in the financial picture that would allow the governor to lift the expenditure restriction for the A+ Program.
High School Counselor Joyce Cox is hoping for a reinstatement of full funding for the A+ Program. However, she advises, “Stay ahead of the game by seeking other sources of financial aid. Many students will qualify for other grants and subsidized loans. There are also some great scholarship opportunities for students who are willing to do the legwork. Community support in the form of local scholarships continues to be tremendous. We are grateful for the businesses, civic organizations, and private citizens who generously provide monetary assistance for our graduates.”
Mr. Burke and Mrs. Cox will be available at GHS Parent/Teacher Conferences on Thursday, Oct. 23, from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.