Senate Bill 899 Summary

• Establishes the "Missouri Promise Program" as the successor to the A+ scholarship program, administered by the Coordinating Board for Higher Education

• Creates two award levels: Level 1 awards for students attending community colleges, vocational/technical schools, or eligible private institutions up to actual tuition; Level 2 awards for students attending public universities not to exceed average university tuition

• Requires applicants to be Missouri residents who graduated from Missouri public high schools with a 2.5 GPA or higher, 95% attendance record, 50 hours of community service, and good citizenship during high school

• Level 1 awards available for up to 6 semesters; Level 2 awards available for up to 4 semesters (up to 6 with deferral or longer degree programs requiring over 124 credit hours)

• Awards reduced by federal Pell grants and successor programs to earlier financial aid; Level 1 awards fully funded before Level 2 awards are distributed; funding subject to annual appropriation