EdChoice seeks court intervention as parents defend Missouri scholarship program

EdChoice Legal Advocates has filed a motion to intervene as defendants in a lawsuit brought by the Missouri National Education Association (MNEA) that challenges the expanded Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program, known as MOScholars. The case is being heard in Cole County Court.

“MOScholars has provided Missouri families with increased educational options for several years,” said Thomas M. Fisher, Executive Vice President and Director of Litigation at EdChoice Legal Advocates. “The recent expansion of the program is constitutional and will expand education freedom for low-income families and students with learning differences.”

The MOScholars program was established in 2021 and later expanded through legislative actions in 2024 and 2025. It offers education savings accounts that can be used for tuition, school fees, tutoring, therapies, technology, or textbooks. Students eligible for these scholarships include those with individualized education plans or whose family income falls below a specified threshold.

The MNEA is seeking an injunction from the court to block funding from the latest appropriations to MOScholars accounts, which could affect thousands of students at the start of the new school year.

EdChoice Legal Advocates has requested that three Missouri parents who use or seek to use MOScholars be allowed to join the case to defend the constitutionality of the program.

Kyla Knight from Springfield stated that her children have benefited from university-style education and small class sizes thanks to MOScholars. She said that additional funds would help cover tuition increases so her older children can continue their studies in settings suited to their needs.

Cassie Clooten of Kearney said her youngest son has been part of MOScholars for three years, allowing them to obtain necessary school supplies like a home computer for coursework. She hopes scholarships will also become available for her two older sons this year.

Libby Eversgerd from Kirkwood described how MOScholars enabled her youngest son—who struggled in public schools—to attend a private school where his academic performance improved. She hopes increased funding will mean more timely access to scholarships.

“Missouri families depend on MOScholars to afford educational options that best fit their children’s needs,” Fisher said. “We are proud to support these brave parents who are stepping forward to defend and protect the expansion of the MOScholars program.”

EdChoice is a nonprofit organization focused on promoting educational choice as a means toward successful lives and stronger communities. More information about its mission can be found at edchoice.org.