The 50 hours in one paragraph
To qualify for the A+ Scholarship, you must complete at least 50 hours of unpaid tutoring or mentoring before you graduate. Up to 25% (12.5 hours) can be job shadowing. Your high school's A+ coordinator decides which activities count and usually needs a supervisor's signature on every time sheet. In exceptional cases, a school may allow the hours up to 6 months after graduation.
Every A+ requirement
| Requirement | What it takes |
|---|---|
| Tutoring or mentoring | At least 50 unpaid hours before graduation; up to 25% can be job shadowing |
| GPA | 2.5 or higher, unweighted, on a 4.0 scale |
| Attendance | At least 95% overall in grades 9-12 |
| Math | Proficient or advanced on the Algebra I end-of-course exam (or a higher approved math EOC), or an ACT/PreACT math score paired with your GPA |
| A+ high school | Attend a designated A+ high school for 2 of your last 4 years |
| Agreement | Sign a written A+ agreement with your high school before graduation |
| Conduct | Good citizenship and no unlawful drug or alcohol use |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or permanent resident |
Students graduating with A+ eligibility then file the FAFSA every year and keep a 2.5 college GPA to renew. Children of active-duty military families have a different rule for the A+ school years; ask your coordinator.
What the scholarship pays
A+ covers unpaid tuition and general fees at participating public community colleges and vocational or technical schools, after federal grants such as Pell are applied. For 2026-2027 the cap is $240 per credit hour. Eligibility lasts up to 48 months after graduation or until you earn an associate degree.
A simple pace
50 hours is about one hour a week for one school year, or 25 hours in each of your junior and senior years. Start early: many schools want hours turned in by spring of senior year, and tutoring slots fill up.
What usually counts
- Usually counts: tutoring younger students in reading or math, mentoring in an after-school program, helping in an elementary classroom under a teacher.
- Up to 25%: job shadowing.
- Usually does not count: paid tutoring, babysitting, or helping a friend with homework.
Rules differ by school. Get your coordinator's approved list and time sheet before you start.
Free printable tutoring log
Download the Missouri A+ tutoring and mentoring hours log (PDF). It has room for 16 entries with the type (tutoring, mentoring or job shadowing), supervisor signatures, a page total and student and parent signature lines.
Or track the 50 hours online, free
In My Award Tracker, pick the Missouri A+ Scholarship goal and log as you go. You see the hours left and the weekly pace you need, supervisors confirm your hours by email, and you can print an hours form with every verified entry for your A+ coordinator.
Frequently asked questions
How many tutoring hours does the Missouri A+ Scholarship require?
At least 50 hours of unpaid tutoring or mentoring before high school graduation. Up to 25% of them, so 12.5 of the 50, can be job shadowing. In exceptional cases a high school may allow the hours up to 6 months after graduation.
What counts as A+ tutoring or mentoring?
Your high school decides. Most A+ programs use school-based academic tutoring or mentoring of younger students, supervised by a district staff member and approved by the A+ coordinator. Ask your coordinator for the approved list and the time sheet before you start.
What does the A+ Scholarship pay for?
Tuition and general fees at participating public community colleges and vocational or technical schools, after federal grants such as Pell are applied. For 2026-2027 the reimbursement is capped at $240 per credit hour.
Do I have to file the FAFSA?
Yes. Students must file the FAFSA each year they use the scholarship, starting with their first year of college.
What GPA and attendance do I need?
Graduate with a 2.5 unweighted GPA or higher and at least 95% attendance across grades 9-12.