Last week, during the state’s celebration of National School Choice week, Agudath Israel of Missouri was formally recognized by the State Treasurer, House of Representatives, and State Senate for its dedication to educational empowerment as one of six approved organizations participating in the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (MOScholars) program.

Enacted in 2021, MOScholars provides K-12 grants that are funded through private donations from individuals and corporations to educational assistance organizations (EAOs) which administer the program. Donors can receive a state tax credit worth 100% of their gift. Agudath Israel of Missouri has distributed $4.9 million in scholarships since the program’s inception and is set to distribute another $2.9 million this year.

As part of its National School Choice Week activities, Agudath Israel of Missouri brought seventh- and eighth-grade students from Torah Prep School to the Missouri State Capitol to advocate for educational opportunity and show their support for the MOScholars Program.

During their visit, the students met with key state leaders, including Missouri State Treasurer Vivek Malek; House Speaker Dr. Jonathan Patterson (R-Lee’s Summit); State Senators David Gregory (R–Chesterfield) and Brian Williams (D–University City); and State Representatives Jeff Hales (D–University City), Dr. George Hruza (R-Town & Country), and Ben Keathly (R–Chesterfield). The meetings gave students a firsthand look at the legislative process and an opportunity to express the importance of school choice to their families and community.

The students also participated in a School Choice Week rally in the Capitol rotunda, hosted by the Children’s Education Alliance of Missouri, joining advocates from across the state in celebrating educational freedom.

Later in the day, Mrs. Suri Botuck, Director of Government Affairs for Agudath Israel of Missouri, and Rabbi Hillel Anton, Director of Agudath Israel of Missouri’s Education Assistance Organization, attended a meeting convened by the State Treasurer with Missouri’s Education Assistance Organizations (EAOs) to discuss the ongoing implementation and growth of the MOScholars program.

The visit concluded with a meeting with Governor Mike Kehoe, thanking him for his leadership and continued support of MOScholars, as well as for Missouri’s decision to opt in to the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC), a major step forward in expanding educational opportunity for families statewide.

“Programs like MOScholars open doors for students to thrive, and it is incredibly powerful for legislators to hear directly from the students whose lives are impacted by these opportunities.” said Mrs. Suri Botuck, Director of Government Affairs for Agudath Israel of Missouri. “MOScholars is opening doors to educational opportunity, and we are committed to ensuring that this program is strengthened and expanded so that every family is able to access the education they believe is best for their child.”