PRESS RELEASE
Missouri Treasurer Vivek Malek Celebrates National School Choice Week
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tianna Brooks, 573-751-5390
JEFFERSON CITY, MO — This week, Missouri State Treasurer Vivek Malek celebrated National School Choice Week, highlighting the rapid growth, increasing demand, and transformational impact of the MOScholars program—Missouri’s flagship initiative supporting educational freedom for families across the state.
“National School Choice Week is about empowering families, expanding opportunity, and reaffirming our commitment to educational freedom,” Treasurer Malek said. “Every child deserves the chance to learn in an environment where they can thrive, and Missouri families are making their voices heard.”
This year, the MOScholars program has seen record-breaking participation. For the 2025–2026 school year, scholarship awards increased by 140 percent, with nearly 6,500 scholarships currently helping Missouri students access learning environments that best meet their needs. Momentum continues to build heading into the 2026–2027 academic year. The Office of the Missouri Treasurer has already received more than 5,000 new scholarship applications, representing $35 million in additional requests.
During the Missouri School Choice Rally on Wednesday, January 28, Treasurer Malek recognized MOScholars Educational Assistance Organizations (EAOs) that administer scholarships and work directly with families.
“Each EAO plays a crucial role in connecting families with resources and ensuring scholarships reach the students who need them most,” Treasurer Malek said. “Their commitment to Missouri families does not go unnoticed.”
Treasurer Malek emphasized that support for school choice continues to grow at every level. Nationally, federal investments in charter school expansion and education scholarship tax credits have strengthened options for families. In Missouri, continued support from state leaders has expanded MOScholars funding and increased access for students.
“As long as I serve as Treasurer, I will continue administering MOScholars so every Missouri family has the freedom to choose the education that helps their children thrive,” Treasurer Malek said. “Together, we are building a Missouri where educational opportunity is not just an ideal, but a reality.”
For more information about the MOScholars program, visit treasurer.mo.gov/MOScholars
