Missouri Releases Report on MOScholars Program
State data shows academic growth for students participating in the scholarship initiative.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Scholarships
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State Treasurer Vivek Malek released a new report evaluating the performance and growth of students in the Missouri MOScholars program. Data indicates that participants reached national average percentiles in reading and math over the last three years.
Why it matters
The program was established to provide families across Missouri with opportunities to find educational fits for their children through tax-credit funded scholarships. Tracking academic outcomes helps officials determine the efficacy of the initiative in serving diverse student needs.
The report analyzed test scores from 2,156 students, finding that 30 percent of participants have an Individualized Education Program. For the 2026-27 school year, the program awarded $68.7 million to support 10,235 students.
The players
Vivek Malek
Vivek Malek is the current State Treasurer of Missouri who oversees the administration and reporting of state financial programs.
The details
The MOScholars program provides tax credits to donors who contribute to Educational Assistance Organizations, which then distribute funds for tuition and special education services. Surveys conducted between 2023 and 2025 showed 99 percent parent satisfaction with the program.
Timeline
The Missouri legislature established the MOScholars program in 2021.
The program launched with 1,361 participants during the 2022-23 school year.
Researchers conducted annual end-of-year parent satisfaction surveys from 2023 to 2025.
State Treasurer Vivek Malek released the evaluation report in October 2026.
The program is serving 10,235 students during the 2026-27 school year.
Culture Shift
The study of the Missouri MOScholars program highlights the ongoing national transition toward school choice models and parent-directed educational funding. This shift reflects a broader societal move to prioritize individualized learning environments over traditional public school funding structures.
Families participating in the program can expect continued support for tuition and specialized services as the initiative scales to over 10,000 students. The high satisfaction rates among current parents may influence future donation levels to the Educational Assistance Organizations.
The takeaway
The report indicates that students utilizing these scholarships are meeting national academic benchmarks while expressing high levels of family satisfaction. Ongoing participation in the program remains a viable path for families seeking alternative educational placements for their children.
Further reading
Learn more about local educational funding initiatives on our Missouri Scholarships page.
Live Poll
Do you believe state-funded scholarship programs improve academic outcomes for students in your community?
