North Platte in line to become A+ School

Class of 2011 could be first

North Platte students in the Class of 2011 could become the first to receive A+ money from the state for post-secondary education.  North Platte applied for the designation last spring and started the three year process to become an A+ school.  In order to receive this designation and for North Platte students to become eligible for state funds, a checklist of accomplishments must be completed over the three years.

Before school is out this year, Class of 2011 and 2012 students will sign up for the program and receive information on courses and expectations of the A+ program.  The following links provide information from the Department of Secondary and Elementary Education which North Platte will use in starting the program.

A+ Fact Sheet from DESE

Eligible A+ Post-Secondary Schools

The primary goal of the A+ Schools Program is to ensure that all students who graduate from Missouri high schools are well prepared to pursue advanced education and employment.

Participating high schools are encouraged to:
• reduce the dropout rate.
• raise academic expectations by eliminating general-track courses.
• provide career pathways for all students.
• work closely with business and higher-education leaders to better prepare students for their lives after graduation.

STUDENT ELIGIBILITY
Students who graduate from a designated A+ high school may qualify for a state-paid financial incentive to attend any public community college or career/technical school in Missouri if the students successfully meet the following requirements:

• Enter into a written agreement with the high school prior to graduation
• Attend a designated school for three consecutive years immediately prior to graduation
• Graduate with an overall GPA of 2.5 points or higher on a 4-point scale
• Have an overall attendance rate of at least 95 percent for grades 9-12
• Perform 50 hours of district-supervised, unpaid tutoring or mentoring
• Maintain a record of good citizenship and avoid the use of drugs and alcohol.

The financial incentive is available only after the student has made a good faith effort to first secure all available federal financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) that does not require repayment.

ONGOING ELIGIBILITY
• Students who qualify for A+ financial assistance must enroll full time and attend one of the following eligible institutions:
1. Public community college
2. Public vocational or technical school that has received reimbursement under RSMo  60.545.7 prior to Aug. 28, 2008
3. Private vocational or technical school that is a member of the North Central Association, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission as of July 1, 2008, and maintains such accreditation. The school also must be designated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
• Students must maintain a cumulative 2.5 GPA to be eligible for the financial incentive.
• Students must make a good faith effort each year to first secure all available federal financial aid (FAFSA).
All individuals required to register under the Military Selective Service Act must show proof of registration to be eligible for state-supported scholarships, programs for financial assistance for post-secondary education or loans insured by any state agency.