MO SB483

Establishes the Early High School Graduation Scholarship Program administered by the department of higher education to provide assistance to eligible Missouri high school graduates who complete their education early.

Students graduating within 36 months receive scholarships equal to 90% of the school district's state aid per weighted average daily attendance; students graduating within 41 months receive scholarships for dual enrollment programs.

School districts receive grants equal to 10% of state aid calculations when eligible students accept scholarships, with remaining funds distributed equally among all qualifying students.

Eligible students must have parental approval, attend Missouri public high schools for more than half their high school career, and be U.S. citizens or lawfully authorized residents; scholarships must be used within one year of graduation at accredited public or private institutions of higher education.

Two separate scholarship funds are created (Fund I and Fund II) with money reverting to general revenue at the end of each biennium; department of higher education must submit annual reports to the education commissioner and post program information online by January 31, 2013.