Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development

In response to the spread of COVID-19, the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development (MDHEWD) has extended the date on which 2020 seniors may achieve a qualifying ACT score for the Bright Flight Scholarship.

The Bright Flight Scholarship requires students to achieve a qualifying ACT or SAT score by the June national test date of their senior year in high school. However, ACT and The College Board had to cancel several test dates this spring. In response, the 2020 seniors who achieve a qualifying ACT score on the July national test date and who are otherwise eligible can receive the Bright Flight Scholarship. Accommodations for the 2020 seniors taking the SAT will be announced as information becomes available from The College Board. Communication to Missouri high schools and college financial aid officers was sent Wednesday morning outlining the temporary changes to the program.

“A disruption like the one we’re experiencing now calls for flexibility to help students succeed,” said Zora Mulligan, commissioner of higher education. “We hope that by extending these test dates, students will have the opportunity to achieve the score they need in order to earn the Bright Flight Scholarship.”

Bright Flight is a merit-based scholarship for students scoring in the top percentages of all Missouri test takers.

Bright Flight eligibility for the 2020 seniors who take the ACT is based on the composite score. For those who take the SAT, eligibility is based on the individual math and verbal scores, both of which must meet certain thresholds. Superscores (ACT or SAT) will not be considered for 2020 seniors’ Bright Flight eligibility.

More than 7,400 students utilized Bright Flight in 2018-2019. Learn more about the Bright Flight Scholarship at https://dhewd.mo.gov/ppc/grants/brightflight.php.

For more details on guidance issued for temporary eligibility requirements, visit https://dhewd.mo.gov/ppc/grants/documents/4.1.20brightflightACT.pdf.

About the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development: The department works to empower Missourians with the skills and education needed for success. More information about MDHEWD can be found at https://dhewd.mo.gov or on Facebook and Twitter @MoDHEWD.