DID YOU KNOW ANYONE WHO GRADUATES FROM WEST PLAINS HIGH SCHOOL CAN ATTEND COLLEGE OR TECHNICAL SCHOOL ABSOLUTELY FREE? Missouri offers this opportunity to all of its students.

West Plains High Schoolis an A+ Designated High School !!!!

Every graduating Zizzer has the opportunity to secure an A+ scholarship.

What is A+? Simply, a state-funded scholarship for students to attend a two-year college or vocational-technical school tuition-free.

Why think about college now?

Why should you participate in the A+ program?Helps to form a career pathway byTutoringJob shadowing Develops good study habits and encourages attendance A+ graduates are more likely to graduate college. (Source: DESE data analysis)The program reduces the drop out rates at many high schools.Prepares students for their lives after graduation.

What do I have to do to graduate with A+ Certification?Enrollment in and attendance at a designated A+ school for at least three (3) consecutive years.2.5 cumulative (gpa) grade point average upon graduation of high schoolAt least 50 hours unpaid tutoring or mentoringAt least 95% attendance throughout high schoolA record of good citizenship and avoidance of the unlawful use of drugs/alcoholCompleting a FAFSA

The A+ Program Pays offA+ eligible graduates can have tuition and common fees paid through the program.

At todays prices, the value of the A+ scholarship is approximately

Many students have decided to save money while getting a quality education at two year community college or technical school, including Missouri State University-West Plains.

Many two year degrees prepare you to go directly into the workforce, like Nursing and Law Enforcement.

Half-way to million dollar lifetime earning potential.

Eligibility in collegeA+ eligibility is verified by the high school.

Students then enroll full time and may begin the semester right after graduation.

Students just maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale.

Students must enroll in a program leading to an associate degree or a certificate at a community college or technical school.

Tuition and common fees are the items covered by A+ funds. This is contingent upon funds being appropriated for the program by the state of Missouri.

Students may qualify to attend any public community college or career/technical school in Missouri (one and two year higher education institutions), FREE.

Students that complete an Associates degree by using their A+ scholarship, may transfer to any four year state school in Missouri.Some 4 year colleges and universities provide incentive scholarships ($1,000 in some cases)

Whats Covered and Where?

Timeline EligibilityStudents may use for up to a maximum of six semesters within four years of high school graduation orUntil completion of associate degree or certificate.

ScholarshipsRecipients MAY also receive institutional scholarships.If the student is applying for community scholarships (i.e. FFA, BPW, Kiwanis, Lions Club, etc.) the donor may designate money for college fees other than tuition.

Missouri State University-West PlainsState Fair Community College, SedaliaEast Central College, UnionJefferson College, HillsboroSt. Charles Community College, St. PetersSt. Louis Community College:St. Louis, Forest Park, Meramec, Florissant Valley, WildwoodMetropolitan Community College:Kansas City, Maplewood, Penn Valley, Longview, Blue SpringsMoberly Area Community College, MoberlyMineral Area College, Park HillsCrowder College, NeoshoNorth Central Missouri College, TrentonThree Rivers Community College, Poplar BluffLinn State Technical College, LinnOzarks Technical Community College, Springfield

Eligible Public Missouri Community Colleges*

Eligible Technical Schools**Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Arcadia Valley Career Tech CtrLebanon Tech. & Career CenterBoonslick Technical Educ. CenterLewis & Clark Career CenterBrookfield Area Career CenterLex La-Ray Technical CenterCape Girardeau Car & Tech CenterMacon Area Voc. Sch.Car. & Tech. Center At Ft. OsageMoberly Area Technical CenterCarrollton Area Career CenterNevada Regional Tech.-Ctr.Carthage Technical CenterNew Madrid R-I Tech Skills CtrCass Career CenterNichols Career CenterClinton Technical Sch.North Central Career CenterColumbia Area Career CenterNorth TechnicalCurrent River Career CenterNorthland Career CenterDallas County Career CenterNorthwest Technical Sch.Davis H. Hart Career CenterOzark Mountain Technical CenterEldon Career CenterPemiscot Co Career & Tech CtrExcelsior Springs Career CenterPerryville Area Car & Tech CtrFour Rivers Career CenterPike/Lincoln Technical CenterFranklin Technology CenterPoplar Bluff Tech. Career CenterGibson Technical CenterRolla Technical Inst.Grand River Technical Sch.Saline Co. Career CenterHannibal Career & Tech. CenterSikeston Career & Tech. CenterHerndon Career CenterSouth Central Career CenterHillyard Technical CenterSouth TechnicalKennett Career & Tech. CenterSouthwest Area Career CenterKirksville Area Tech. CenterUnitec Career CenterLake Career & Technical CenterWarrensburg Area Career CenterLamar Area Voc.-Tech. Sch.Waynesville Technical Academy

A+ Students Speak Out

What do I do to get signed up?Go to the A+ table at Registration or see Jenny Buehler, A+ Secretary, to sign your A+ agreement.

Your child can sign up at any point in his or her high school career. Of course, the earlier the better. But if they are a junior or senior, it is very likely not too late.

Also pick up a copy of the Options for completing your tutoring, so that you my begin planning for the best time for you to fulfill the tutoring requirement. Ask at A+ table.

Things to keep in mind about A+After you have signed your agreement, you will receive an update of your status in A+ twice a year. Remember, nothing is final until graduation. If your grade point average drops below 2.5 while still in high school, you have the next semester to get it back up. If you have questions, please communicate with Mrs.Shannon or Mrs. Buehler.

A+ Attendance Note to ParentsIt is highly suggested that you keep a folder of your childs absences, (i.e. doctors notes, court date notes, etc).

Begin freshman year. Each day your child is absent, log the reason and add any documentation (doctors notes, obituary, court appointment note) to the file. This is a very important resource in case your child happens to need to go through the attendance appeals process his or her senior year.

We want every student to be successful!We want to see every student complete the requirements for the A+ Scholarship.Please contact Mrs. Shannon or Mrs. Buehler with any questions regarding A+. If we dont have the answers, we will help you find the person who does.

THANK YOU FOR TAKING TIME TO LEARN MORE ABOUT A+Things to make sure are completed:A+ Agreement to Mrs. Shannon at Registration or Mrs. Buehler. Pick up a Options For Completing Your Tutoring from one of the A+ tables.Contact Mrs. Shannon, A+ Coordinator, with any questions: lshannon@zizzers.org 417-256-6150