Each participating student must be selected in accordance with criteria published in the guidelines, which include evidence of outstanding intellectual ability, academic achievement, creativity, and performance in related areas. Funding or Grants Available Discretionary grants are made on the basis of approved programs. Allowable costs must be in addition to the costs that would have been incurred by the district if it did not have a state-assisted gifted program. Any public school district may apply. The Department has published guidelines, application forms, and procedures for applying for funding.
Technical assistance is provided to prospective applicants upon request.
Applications are due on May 31 annually. The Missouri Fine Arts Academy is a three-week residential summer program held at Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield for approximately 120 to 180 of Missouri's artistically gifted students who are ready to begin their junior or senior year in high school. A special selection committee appointed by the Department screens and evaluates all nominations. Funding or Grants Available Funds to support the Academy are appropriated by the Missouri Legislature. There is no cost to students or their families for tuition, room and board, Academy-related activities, books, and instructional materials.