Friday, March 23, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Outlines Scholarship Plan For Missouri Students
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt toured the state talking with educators and students about his plan to more than double funding for needs based scholarships and streamline state programs to make scholarships more available. The governor's proposal would provide an estimated 19,000 additional students access to scholarships every year.
"Education is my highest priority, and I will continue to enhance opportunities for all Missouri's students," Blunt said. "The new funding I have recommended for scholarships will significantly expand students' access to college and higher education opportunities. Simply put, our plan provides more scholarships for more students."
Following recommendations from the State Student Financial Aid Committee the governor recommended combining the state's two needs based scholarship programs into one new program called Access Missouri. The program offers a scholarship solution that will level the playing field for all applicants and ensure that Missouri's neediest students receive aid. Access Missouri will also make it easier for Missouri families to plan for college because the scholarship will be more predictable.
To support the new program, Blunt recommended a substantial increase in needs based scholarship funding taking the current program from $27.5 million to more than $72.5 million. The new program will make a sizeable difference at schools across the state. At the public four year institutions the governor will visit this week alone, the funding increase and new program is estimated to benefit a total of up to 12,992 students (as projected and estimated by each individual institution).
Statewide estimates provided by the Department of Higher Education also demonstrate that significantly more students will have access to aide under the governor's leadership. According to the department, the current program serves 17,000 students. The new program is expected to serve an estimated 36,000 students.
In addition to his call to more than double funding for needs based scholarships, the governor has recommended $40 million in new funding for colleges and universities and a three year plan that increases funding by more than $110 million.
Gov. Blunt has also increased funding for elementary and secondary education every year he has been in office. His proposed budget for next year combined with past increases totals more than one half of $1 billion in funding for education in the last three years. His scholarship proposal reflects the governor's commitment to learning and to ensuring Missouri students have the tools they need to succeed in tomorrow's global economy.