 The COVID-19 pandemic has continued to disrupt postsecondary education. As a result, the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development has determined that accommodations are necessary for the Bright Flight Scholarship.
In June 2020, MDHEWD announced that to accommodate COVID-19 disruptions, Bright Flight renewal students who are meeting the school’s definition of satisfactory academic progress are eligible for the fall 2020 semester, even if they do not have a 2.5 cumulative grade point average. This fall semester only accommodation also applies to the Access Missouri, Fast Track and Wartime Veteran’s Survivors Grant programs. For all other state aid programs, this grade point average accommodation applies to the full 2020-2021 academic year.
In addition to the grade point average accommodation, MDHEWD has determined another accommodation is required for the 2020-2021 academic year for Bright Flight students who choose not to enroll this year as a result of COVID-19. To renew the Bright Flight scholarship, students must maintain continuous enrollment, defined as receipt of the scholarship at least one semester each academic year. However, students not directly impacted by COVID-19 may have difficulty maintaining continuous enrollment if they do not plan to attend in the 2020-2021 academic year for fear of becoming ill themselves or transmitting the virus to at-risk family members.
Students in this situation may request a medical deferment based on other medical need, as allowed by statute. In addition to submitting the standard deferment form they must explain the nature of their situation and sign an affidavit affirming the request was related to COVID-19 as documentation substantiating the deferment.
The department will continue to issue guidance when necessary as this situation unfolds. If you have any questions, please contact the following staff. At this time, email is the preferred method of communication.
Connie Bestgen, financial aid specialist
(800) 473-6757, option 4, (573) 751-1722, or connie.bestgen@dhewd.mo.gov
Amy Haller, financial aid specialist
(573) 526-7958 or amy.haller@dhewd.mo.gov
Kelli Reed, senior associate
(573) 751-2444 or kelli.reed@dhewd.mo.gov
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