PRESS RELEASE
State Treasurer Malek Celebrates National School Choice Week, Encourages Continued Growth of the MOScholars Program
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Caty Luebbert, 573-751-5390
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Today, Missouri State Treasurer Vivek Malek proudly celebrated National School Choice Week by delivering a speech in the Capitol Rotunda at the Show Me Excellent Schools Student Rally, an event highlighting the importance of educational opportunities for Missouri families.
“Educational freedom should not be just an ideal but a promise. A promise that we will provide families with the tools and opportunities they need to choose the path that works best for their children,” said Treasurer Malek. “In Missouri, we are making strides to keep that promise. Through the MOScholars program, we are not only expanding educational opportunities but also putting real power in the hands of parents.”
The Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program (MESAP), commonly known as MOScholars, was established by the Missouri General Assembly in 2021 to provide educational options to Missouri students and families. The law provides state tax credits for contributions to approved, non-profit Education Assistance Organizations (EAOs). These EAOs use the contributions to award scholarships to eligible Missouri students living in low-income households and those with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) addressing particular needs.
More than 2,600 students have been awarded MOScholars funding for eligible education expenses in the 2024-2025 school year. In 2024, donations surpassed $23 million, and the extensive demand for scholarships continues to increase.
“Individuals and businesses can reduce their state income tax liability through contributions to MOScholars, while also making a meaningful investment in the future of Missouri’s children,” said Treasurer Malek. “These donations not only provide a dollar-for-dollar tax credit, but more importantly, they expand educational opportunities for families in need, empowering parents to choose the best learning environment for their children.”
A MOScholars tax credit is equal to 100% of an eligible donation, not to exceed 50% of the donor’s state tax liability for the tax year the credit is claimed. MOScholars tax credits may be carried forward for four subsequent tax years.
Learn more about MOScholars: treasurer.mo.gov/MOScholars/
