A+ Program (Department of Elementary and Secondary Education:
573-751-9094; P.O. Box 480, Jefferson City, Mo. 65102-0480
(http://dese.mo.gov/) - 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.
Eligibility 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 (more than one school permitted for 1O'"_12th grades, but must be attended an A+ school)
- Graduate with an overall GPA of 2.5 points or higher on a 4-point scale
- Overall attendance rate must be 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 drug & alcohol use
(Go to http://dese.mo.gov/divimprove/aplus for a list of all designated A+ schools)
Ongoing eligibility requirements include:
- Eligible student must attend a public community college or career/technical school on a full- time basis
- 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)
(*AII 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.)
Adult Education/Literacy(AEL): 754-4477
https://dese.mo.gov/adult-learning-rehabilitation-services/adult-education-literacy - The Adult Basic Education/Literacy (AEL) Program is designed to help adults ages 16 & above improve basic education skills (reading, writing, math, etc.) and obtain their GED certificate.
Bright Flight" Scholarship (Missouri Higher Education Academic Program):
http://www.dhe.mo.gov/ppc/grants/brightflight.php - Bright Flight is a program administered by the state of Missouri t hat provides scholarships to Missouri residents. This merit-based program encourages top-ranking high school seniors to attend approved Missouri postsecondary schools. To be eligible, students must have a composite score on the ACT or t he SAT in the top 3 percent of all Missouri students taking those tests, be a graduating high school senior (or equivalent) who enrolls as a first-time, full-time student in an approved Missouri postsecondary school, be a Missouri resident and a United States citizen or an eligible non-citizen. A student must achieve a qualifying composite test score by the scheduled June ACT or SAT assessment dates. You must receive the scholarship during the academic year immediately following your senior year in high school t o maintain eligibility. A renewal student's eligibility must be renewed each academic year by the school the student plans to attend.
Charles Gallagher Student Financial Assistance Program:
http://dhe.mo.gov/ppc/grants/accessmo.php- _Charles Gallagher is a program administer ed by the state of Missouri that provides need-based grants for Missouri citizens to access Missouri postsecondary education. To be eligible to receive a Gallagher award, students must be a full-time undergraduate student at an approved Missouri postsecondary school, working toward your first baccalaureate degree, demonstrate financial need, maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by t he school, be a Missouri resident and a United States citizen or an eligible non-citizen. To receive consideration for a Gallagher award, the federal processor must receive your completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by April 1 before the upcoming academic year.
Construction Careers Center: 588-3331; 1224 Grattan, 63104
http://www.constructioncareerscenter.org/ - The Construction Careers Center is a tuition-free, independent public high school for grades 9 through 12. Students are admitted during the freshman year and a limited number of sophomore students are admitted. The school does not accept junior or senior students. The Construction Careers Center is the first charter high school for construction in the nation. Construction Careers Center is looking for students who have an interest in construction, and earnestly want to learn and prepare for a future in construction.
Creative Futures: 289-4182; 3547 Olive St ., St. Louis, Mo., 63103
www.stlartworks.org - teens interested in working with professional artists in a year round program where they are employed to design and create art works; teens learn skills such as sales and client interviews while exploring their talents in drawing, painting, photography or sculpture; students have the opportunity to explore career and educational opportunities thru visits to universities & places of employment; services include job readiness training, job placement services, and help with GED/ High School Diploma, reading s kills, and art creation. (Eligible youth: *St. Louis City residents, *Iow household income *need help with academics
*homeless, f oster child, teen parent)
FastWeb: (www.fastweb.com)- free online scholarship search
GED Testing (Mo. Division of Career Education):
http://dese.mo.gov/adult-learning-rehabilitation-services/high-school-equivalency - The GED (General Educational Development) test is a battery of five multiple-choice tests that ask questions about subjects covered in high school. The exam covers reading, mathematics, social studies, science and writing skills. The writing skills portion includes a 200-word essay. The exam takes about 7 hours to complete. Most colleges and employers accept a GED certificate as being equivalent to a high school diploma. Only those who are at least 16 years old and are no longer enrolled in high school are elig ible to take the GED test. *For a list of GED class locations, please go to: http://dese.mo.gov/ divcareered/ael mo program.htm)
Job Corps: 679-0300; 4333 Goodfellow Blvd., St. Louis, Mo. 63120
(http://stlouis.jobcorps.gov/home.aspx)- The St. Louis Job Corps offers academic training that allows student employees an opportunity to obtain a High School Diploma or GED at the same time they are working on t heir vocational skills certification. Social and employability skills training (such as dressing appropriately for the work place, being on time, and using your time on the job productively) is also provided. In order to qualify for participation in the High School program students must be between the ages of 16-20, and must be able to obtain a copy of their high school transcripts. Participation in the GED program requires students to complete preparatory coursework, and t o successfully complete the TABE (test of adult basic education). Vocational training is also offered in 14 career fields, where participants participate in hands-on activities and a weekly internship in their chosen field. Qualified persons must be 16-24 years of age, and may choose to live on campus or commute.
Missouri Education and Training Voucher Program CETV): (800)585-7115
(www.statevoucher.org)- This program provides up to $5,000 a year for college and vocational training. Depending upon the student's specific situation, funds can be used for such things as tuition, books/computers, school supplies, living expenses, rent, childcare, health insurance, groceries, and transportation. Students must make an effort each year to first secure all available federal financial aid by completing the FAFSA application.
Eligibility requirements:
- Student is in foster care, was adopted from foster care after t he age of 16 or aged out of foster care
- Student must be age 17-21 years old
- Student must have a high school diploma or GED
- Student must be enrolled in an accredited college or vocational/technical training program
(Participation is renewable until student's 23,d birthday; to maintain eligibility the student must show continued progress towards a degree or certificate)
Missouri Option Program:
(http://dese.mo.gov/quality-schools/missouri-option-program)- The Missouri Option Program is designed to target students who have the capabilities to complete Missouri High School Graduation Requirements, but for a variety of reasons lack the credits needed to graduate with their class and are at risk of leaving school without a high school diploma. The program specifically, targets those students who are 17 years of age or older and are at least one year behind their cohort group or for other significant reasons identified in the local Missouri Option Program plan. Students will have access to all educational programs and services available in the school district, have the opportunity to stay in school , receive valuable academic and life-skills instruction, earn a High School diploma, and have the option of taking part in commencement ceremonies. "For a list of school districts who participate in this program, please go to: (http://dese.mo.gov/divcareered/GED Option/2006-07 MO Option Program.pdf)
Northside Community Center: 531-4161; 4120 Maffit, St. Louis, 63113
http://nsyssc.com/ - Youth programs include:
"Social Services "Family, group, and individual counseling "Job training and placement
"Parent support group "Intensive after-care for youthful offenders "Delinquency prevention
"Substance Abuse prevention "Food pantry "Social Service referrals
"Education and Character Building "Mentoring "Leadership development "Field and recreation trips "Homework assistance/tutoring "Organized sports "Computer Skills training
"Parenting classes (residents in zip codes 63107, 63113 , 63115)
Parent Engagement and Empowerment Center (PEEC): 256-6050; 415 DeBaliviere, 63112 (http://www.peecworks.org/index) -
Parent Information Resource Center serves as a one-stop shop for parent services. All PEEC services are free to families in the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County. The center serves parents with children of all grade levels, including early childhood. Preference is given to low-income families. PEEC services include:
-Informational services provided by PEEC Outreach Specialists who will help you as a parent become info r med of your rights and responsibilities regarding the education of your child
-Workshops offering information on the African American achievement gap , school report cards, MAP tests, t ips on how to help your child with homework, and supplemental (additional) services that may be available in the school of your child.
-Workshops explaining No Child Left Behind, the federal law that requires schools to be more accountable to parents, students, and the larger community;
-Information about social services or other assistance available in your area.
-Parent Informational Line to assist you in your parenting needs.
The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis: 314-725-7990; 6825 Clayton Avenue, Suite 100, St. Louis, Missouri 63139. For more information about the Foundation’s programs and services, please visit www.sfstl.org.
Interest-Free Loan Program—Applications for interest-free student loans have a deadline of April 15 and loans are renewable annually. Awards are made on a nondiscriminatory basis to applicants of all ages who demonstrate financial need, satisfactory academic progress, and good character. Residents of St. Louis City, St. Louis County, Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln, St. Charles and Warren counties in Missouri and the Illinois counties of Bond, Calhoun, Clinton, Jersey, Macoupin, Madison, Monroe, and St. Clair are eligible to apply. Interest-free loans are available to students attending accredited, nonprofit postsecondary institutions. The maximum loan amount per academic year is $11,000. Students enjoy a 12-month grace period after graduation before beginning a five-year scheduled repayment plan. Grants and Scholarships—By submitting the interest-free loan application, students are automatically considered for the Foundation’s many grant programs, some of which are administered in partnership with community organizations, foundations, and corporations. Grants are renewable and do not have to be repaid. Students can also apply directly for these grants; criteria for eligibility varies depending on the specific grant or scholarship. Visit the Foundation’s website for a complete list of all current grant and scholarship opportunities.
Paid Internships—The Scholarship Foundation offers three paid internship programs for current and former Foundation students. The Education Policy Internship Program engages Foundation students and graduates to advocate for equitable access to higher education. The Equifax Finance Fellowship Program is a scholarship and internship opportunity for students studying business management, economics, or finance. The Deaconess Nursing Fellowship is awarded to students of nursing and provides policy and advocacy training and opportunity for students awarded the Deaconess Nursing Scholarship.
Student Advising Program—The Scholarship Foundation’s Student Advising Program offers free public workshops for students and their families to learn more about financial aid and college application processes. These workshops are open to the public and held at the Foundation’s offices and other locations in its service area. In addition, program staff travel throughout the community visiting high schools, colleges, community organizations, and libraries to facilitate workshops and presentations; share information about Scholarship Foundation programs and services at college fairs; and, provide guidance to students through one-on-one and small group meetings.
Special School District of St. Louis County: 989-8100; 12110 Clayton Rd., St. Louis, Mo. 63131 (http://pbiscompendium.ssd.k12.mo.us/)-
SSD provides special education services to students in a variety of placements; placements range from SSD teachers providing special education services in the student's home school district to attendance at one of SSD's f ive special educat ion schools; SSD also offers a full range of related services from speech therapy to assistive technology services (see website for a full list of services)
Tutoring Services in St. Louis area:
Americorps St. Louis Partners (772-9002; 1315 Ann Ave.)-call for more information
Ascension Episcopal Church (361-0105; 4520 Lucas & Hunt, 63121)-free year round
Boys Club of St. Louis (772-5661; 2524 S. 11th St., 63104)-$20 membership per year, year-round assistance with homework and access to recreational facilities
City Recreation Centers- no fee, 3-4 p.m.; computers available; locations include: 12th & Park Center (589-6142; 1410 S. Tucker); Buder Center (664-0327; 2900 Hickory); Cherokee Center (664-0582; 3200 S. Jefferson); Marquette Center (353-3085; 4025 Minnesota); Parkside Center (353-3085; 3126 Alfred); Tandy Center (652-5131; 4206 W. Kennerly); West End Center (367-4141; 5250 Enright); Wohl Center (367-2292; 1515 N. Kingshighway)
Covenant House Community Center: (For General Information Call: Kristi Sobbe (314) 533-2241; 11 S. Newstead, St. Louis, MO 63108)-The Community Service Center (CSC) is located near Tower Grove Park and is open from 8:00-4:00 Monday through Friday. Youth (both residents and non-residents) come for a variety of services, including GED classes and tutoring.
Herbert Hoover Boys Club (652-8300; 2901 N. Grand Ave., 63107)-$20 annual membership fee; homework help 3:30-9:00, Mon.-Thurs. 3:30-6:00 on Fri.; one on one tutoring by appointment only, ages 6-18; first come, first serve basis Jamison Memorial Human Resource & Development Agency (531-9691; 609 N. Leffingwell Ave., 63103)
Matthews- Dickey Boys & Girls Club (38 2-5952, ext.232; 4245 N. Kingshighway, 63115) free tutoring, various times and days
Midtown Catholic Family Services (534-1180; 1202 S. Boyle, 63110)-available to any student living between Highway 40, Tower Grove Park, Kingshighway and Jefferson, paricipating in after-school programs
Northside Community Center (531-4161; 4120 Maffitt Ave., 63113)-for those enrolled in after-school programs (call for details); ride van to SLU for one on one tutoring with SLU volunteers
Rockwood School District Program (636-938-2246)-located at 10 area churches throughout the St. Louis area; resources, including computer & internet services, are available at these sites
St. Louis Community Education Centers- Homework Help (345-4590; Central Office: 801 N. 11th St., 63103)-tutoring locations at Bevo-Long, Carondelet-Blow, Clay, Fanning, Ford, Hamil ton, Jefferson, Nottingham, Shaw, Sherman, Sigel, Stevens, Turner, Vashon, Walbridge, Yeatman-Liddell
YMCA of Greater St. Louis (Literacy Office: 353-4960 ext.33)-free, various sites; reading help only; long-term program; waiting list; Also available: YREAD Program-free tutoring by trained volunteers; assessment testing for students at least 1 year behind in school , open to students 3,d through 5th grade
TRIO Educational Opportunity Centers: 951-5477; Central Office: St. Louis Community College at Forest Park, 5600 Oakland Avenue, St.Louis,M063110. (http://www.heccstl.com/trio.html - Free services are funded by the U.S. Dept. of Education, primarily to individuals who are low-income, first-generation college-ready and at least nineteen (19) years old. Services include: assistance in Completing Financial Aid Applications and college applications, career exploration, resume assistance, and one-to-one education counseling.
TRIO Upward Bound Program:
- Services are provided primarily to students in St. Louis Public Schools (grades 9-12) who are low-income
- first-generation college-ready, and have potential for postsecondary education
Free services include:
- Special Instruction to Prepare Participants for Mathematics, Science and Health-Related Careers
- A Six-Week, Nonresidential Summer Program Offering Academics, Workshops and Cultural Events
- Free Lunch Program
- Free Transportation to and From all Classes and Activities
- Stipends and Awards Instruction in Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Foreign Language
- Computer and Science Laboratory Instruction
- Personal Counseling
- Academic Advising and Assistance
- Tutorial Services
- Participation in Cultural Events and Special Academic Programs
TRIO Talent Search Program: Its primary purposes are to
- identify qualified youth with potential for education at the postsecondary level;
- encourage them to complete secondary school and undertake a program of postsecondary education;
- encourage persons who have not completed education programs at the secondary or postsecondary level to reenter these programs.
Referrals to GED Programs
- College Campus Visits
- Selecting the Institution or Program Best Suited to the Student
- Assistance in Completion of Admissions Applications
- Financial Aid and Scholarship Searches
- Assistance in Completion of Federal Financial Aid Applications
- Helping Students with Self-Esteem
- Developing Skills that Help Improve Grades
- One-on-One Educational Counseling
- Interest Inventory Testing
- Assistance in High School Course Selection
- Career Exploration
- Participation in Cultural Events
YWCA Head Start: 427-4940 or 1-866-777-START
(www.ywcastlouis.org) -provides early childhood education and school age childcare; financial assistance available.
Youth Build St. Louis: 621-1411
(http://youthbuild.org)- YouthBuild St. Louis AmeriCorps is an alternative education, construction training, employment, and leadership development program serving low- income St. Louis youths, ages 18-24, who have not completed high school. Youthbuild St. Louis's full-time 40 week competency-based integrated curriculum combines construction work experience training creating affordable housing with GED basic academic, computer, vocational/construction, entrepreneurial , and career/life/leadership ski lls classes; conservation education; AmeriCorps community service; and leadership development activities. Also built into the program are individual, peer, and group counseling; supportive services; child care; driver's education; and cultural appreciation. This program serves St. Louis City youth ages 18-24, unemployed without a high school diploma or GED, and be drug-free.