Students who were hoping to use Missouri's A+ Scholarship program to begin higher education will not have to worry about certain course requirements to qualify, the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development announced.

All public schools and most private schools in Missouri are closed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Many are trying to deliver courses online, but the varying degrees that districts will be able to complete those courses has prompted the decisions on the scholarship program.

The department has waived the ACT math score or high school GPA alternative for graduating seniors.

The Algebra I end of course requirement has been waived for all 2020 high school seniors, the department stated.

“Given the uncertainty of when students will return to school this spring, we determined it was in the best interest of students to waive the requirement to reduce the negative impact on students,” said Zora Mulligan, commissioner of higher education. “We hope this decision will provide students with peace of mind about their A+ eligibility.”

The department has also reduced the number of tutoring or mentoring hours required for the scholarship as well changing the GPA requirements for seniors and renewal students.

The A+ Scholarship pays the community college tuition for up to two years for qualifying students. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/sweaugs.