SPS pilots MSU’s new dual-credit scholarship program

Springfield Public Schools is the initial institution to participate in a newly announced dual-credit scholarship program offered by Missouri State University.

Through the program, high school students who qualify for free and reduced-price lunches can take dual-credit high school and college courses at no charge, according to a news release.

High school students typically pay $70 per credit hour for dual-credit courses through MSU, said Kevin Agee, a spokesman for the university.

“We want to make dual credit accessible to all students, regardless of their financial situation,” MSU President Clif Smart said in the release.

At SPS, more than 50% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunches.

“The opportunity to partner with Missouri State University to expand access to higher education for under-resourced students is a big step forward in the pursuit of equity,” SPS Superintendent John Jungmann said in the release.

The scholarship program also is available for students in districts that provide dual credit in partnership with MSU’s West Plains campus.