We are excited to share information on two fantastic scholarship opportunities! The Missouri Scholarship & Loan Foundation provides funding to both first-time and continuing undergraduate Missouri resident students. Read on to learn more about these exciting scholarship programs!

2026-27 Purdy Emerging Leaders Scholarship

The Purdy Emerging Leaders Scholarship Program, named in honor of Allan Walker Purdy, is designed to provide scholarships to emerging leaders who are outstanding students and who need additional funding for higher education. This scholarship supports candidates who demonstrate leadership, character, and academic performance. This program is open to students who started higher education right after high school as well as adult learners who are now pursuing or returning to complete a degree. Additionally, these students have a vision, are eager to make their contribution to the world and have the work ethic to bring their dreams to fruition.

Quick Facts:

• Looking for student leaders!
• Up to $5,000, renewable
• Open now through April 1, 2026
• For Missouri undergraduates who will be sophomores, juniors, or seniors in 2026–2027 (incoming freshmen not eligible)
• Requirements: 2.5+ GPA, demonstrated leadership, character, and academic performance
• SAI and unmet need are considered during selection

2026-27 Show-Me To College Scholarship

The Show-Me to College Scholarship is a private scholarship for students with a Student Aid Index of 12,000 or less, a GPA of 3.50 or higher at a Missouri high school, and proven record of community service, extracurricular participation, and/or work experience. Students will be required to complete an online application on My Scholarship Central, including uploading their FAFSA Submission Summary, high school transcript, and answering a few questions.

Quick Facts:

• Opening February 1, 2026
• $2,000 renewable scholarship
• Open February 1 – April 1, 2026
• For your incoming freshmen (current high school seniors)
• Eligibility: SAI ≤ 12,000 and 3.5+ GPA
• No essays; students will list their activities directly in the application

Next Steps

• Current MO State Bears who meet eligibility requirements for the Purdy Emerging Leaders Scholarship can apply online now! The deadline to submit this application is April 1, 2026.
• Future Bears who meet eligibility requirements for the Show-Me to College Scholarship can apply online starting February 1, 2026. The deadline to submit this application is also April 1, 2026.

Go Bears! ✨🐻✨