Mizzou Academy has established two needs-based scholarship opportunities to expand access to online coursework for high school students in the United States.

“This week, we are thrilled to announce a new scholarship program!” said Executive Director Kathryn Fishman-Weaver. “This needs-based program directly aligns with our core values of access and inclusion.”  

Alicia Bixby, school counselor adds, “It makes me happy to know that when our program is the best fit for a student, they will have the opportunity to use our program regardless of their financial situation.”

Rural Missouri Scholarship 

The first scholarship opportunity seeks to expand access to online and advanced coursework for students in rural Missouri. 

Earlier this month, Interim Dean Sarah Diem awarded Mizzou Academy a Rural Education Initiative (REI) grant to start a scholarship program for students in rural Missouri.  Mizzou Academy matched the funding for this initiative through their own general operating budget, thereby doubling the impact of the award.

The REI application submitted by Fishman-Weaver stated that, “We know that there is more work to be done, and that there are more local students, particularly from our rural areas, who would benefit from the expanded opportunities available at Mizzou Academy. For many of these students, our tuition – even with our Missouri discount – makes these courses unattainable.” 

On the application page, the scholarship committee shares that for the 2024-25 school year they are prioritizing students who participated in the MOCAP state virtual program through Mizzou Academy last school year. Earlier this spring, Mizzou Academy announced that they were not continuing with the MOCAP program in the fall. This scholarship program will help this group of students continue in their online coursework through Mizzou Academy. 

Stephanie Walter, Director of Teaching and Learning, worked with many of these students over the last year and shares that they “are creative and talented students who care deeply about their communities. I’m excited that these scholarships will create more opportunities for our rising leaders to pursue their goals!”

General Scholarship for High School Students in the United States

The second scholarship opportunity came from a combination of staff and faculty generosity and administrative ingenuity. 

Working with support and guidance from Kristen Hudson, the College of Education and Human Development’s fiscal director,  Mizzou Academy was given permission to reinvest their unused professional development funds into a new general scholarship account. Fishman-Weaver, shares that “the response from our faculty and staff was inspiring. I received several emails celebrating this new initiative and asking how individuals could best support our future scholarship recipients.”

Educational Program Coordinator Karen Scales was among the many supporters. She said, “One of Mizzou Academy’s core values centers on expanding access, and this scholarship program is the direct result of that important work. I’m so excited for this new opportunity to welcome and support learners in our school community!” 

Through this program, Mizzou Academy plans to expand access to advanced placement, world language, and other enrichment courses. Fishman-Weaver says scholarship recipients “will include students from underrepresented groups, students navigating medical treatment, and students who haven’t yet experienced success in traditional school programs.”

Application Process 

Students may apply for scholarships to supplement their education though specific courses such as an advanced placement or world language class. Students may also apply for scholarships for the full-time diploma program. 

The fall application window opened on July 19, 2024 and will close on August 19, 2024. All applications will be reviewed by the scholarship committee, which includes Alicia Bixby, Brennan Ransdell, Tami Regan, David Graham, Karen Scales, and Kathryn Fishman-Weaver. The committee represents different areas of the lab school including departments, subject areas, and time with Mizzou.

Applications, which are available here, require family/guardian information, several short answer questions for students, and a statement from a recommender. Applicants for the rural Missouri scholarship must also provide proof of residency. 

The spring application window will open on November 15, 2024. 

Mizzou Academy is already looking into future funding and giving opportunities to make sure the scholarship program persists for years to come. “Our goal,” shared Fishman-Weaver, “is that scholarship opportunities become a permanent and sustainable fixture in supporting expanded access at Mizzou Academy. We know this goal will require ongoing generosity and creativity. We are very encouraged and grateful for the support we have already received.” 

Brennan Ransdell, Mathematics Division Chair and Scholarship Committee member, “can hardly wait to help find those students whose lives will truly be forever changed by this opportunity.” Ransdell shared that since joining the Mizzou Academy  faculty 15 years ago, having a scholarship program has been a dream of his. “To me, this scholarship program means a lot. To our students, it could mean everything.”