ST. LOUIS — Two dozen students have been awarded tax-credit scholarships through a new state program to attend private schools in the ºüÀêÊÓƵ area this fall.
The program, MOScholars, allows residents and businesses to divert up to 50% of their state tax liability toward the scholarship fund. Nonprofit groups certified by the state as Educational Assistance Organizations grant the scholarships to eligible students, prioritizing those with special needs or from low-income families who are entering kindergarten or first grade.
Some 1,805 students have applied for MOScholars since it launched in June, according to a spokeswoman for state Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick.
Individual and corporate donors have committed $3,032,522 in tax credits to the program, enough to provide 428 scholarships after administrative expenses.
“The Treasurer is pleased with the progress we are making and hopes Missourians will continue donating to fund scholarships. This program is an opportunity for taxpayers to direct how their tax dollars will be spent,†said spokeswoman Mary Compton.
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The Today and Tomorrow Educational Foundation at the Archdiocese of ºüÀêÊÓƵ said Thursday it has distributed 24 of the $6,375 vouchers to go toward tuition at 21 private schools in ºüÀêÊÓƵ city and ºüÀêÊÓƵ, Jefferson and St. Charles counties. The Bright Futures Fund of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph has awarded vouchers to 100 students, according to the treasurer’s office.
The six religious groups distributing the vouchers are responsible for raising the scholarship funds. Tax credits for donors are capped at $25 million in the program’s first year.
The 24 students receiving scholarships awarded by the local archdiocesan foundation will attend 21 different schools, including 17 Catholic schools, three Lutheran and the secular Miriam School for students with learning challenges. Fifteen of the students have an individualized educational program (IEP) for special needs.
“The diversity of students and schools served by these scholarships is evidence that MOScholars perfectly aligns with the mission and vision of the Today and Tomorrow Educational Foundation,†said executive director Julie Soffner in a statement. “Though we are deeply rooted in Catholic ideals, our overarching goal is to help children of all backgrounds achieve their potential through access to quality educational options.â€