The deadline for seniors graduating early to apply for the A+ program scholarship is this Saturday, Sept. 30. For all other seniors, the deadline is Jan. 31, 2024.
The A+ program, offered to students in Missouri, encourages students to achieve eligibility for state-paid financial aid to attend a participating public community college or vocational/technical school.
Associate Principal Dr. Michael Wegener has overseen the A+ Program at both Oakville High School and MHS.
Dr. Wegener said the program benefits students who haven’t decided on a major or career path yet.
“It gives you the opportunity to complete the courses that you would need for any kind of degree for free,” Dr. Wegener said. “It also gives you the opportunity to explore some of those courses to see what path you would like to pursue once you finish.”
To be eligible for financial aid, students must have above a 2.5 GPA, a 95% attendance rate and participate in up to 50 hours of unpaid tutoring or mentoring, according to the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development.
More information can be found on MHS’ website, and students can join the program until Jan. 31 of their senior year by talking with their guidance counselor. The guidance office strongly recommends students complete all requirements by Sept. 30 of their senior year.
Conner Wilhelm, senior, signed up for the A+ program his freshman year in order to take summer classes at a community college before pursuing an engineering degree.
“I’ve been doing courses to get my credits in and teacher aiding for Mrs. Pease this year,” Wilhelm said.
Wilhelm said he got involved in the program because his sister completed it, and his parents encouraged him to join A+ as well.
“It is easy money, really, because it’s free,” Wilhelm said.
Alex McAteer, social studies teacher, was part of the A+ program during high school and said he earned two free years of community college before transferring to Missouri Baptist University for the rest of his degree in secondary education and social sciences.
“I ended up with no debt when I left college, which was super rad,” McAteer said.
Mcateer said he would encourage all students to be part of the program.
“It’s easy money. If you’re not doing it, you’re leaving money on the table,” McAteer said.
