John T. Belcher Scholarship

MSBA FutureBuilders Foundation established the John T. Belcher Memorial Scholarship in memory of John T. Belcher, who was instrumental in developing a number of innovative financing programs that improved the learning environment for thousands of Missouri public school students. Though Mr. Belcher lost his battle with cancer in 1989, his courage was an inspiration to all who knew him.

Selection Process

Each school board in an MSBA member district is eligible to submit one application from a high school senior. MSBA's seventeen Regional Leadership Committees meet in February and March to select the winner from their respective regions. The MSBA FutureBuilders Board of Directors then selects one statewide winner from the 17 regional winners. The statewide winner receives a $1,500 scholarship and 16 regional winners each receive a $750 scholarship. Regional winners are recognized at MSBA's Spring Meetings in April. The statewide winner is also recognized at the Leadership Summit in June.

The nominees from each member district should be selected by the local board of education based on academic achievement, leadership abilities, and the quality of an essay on the educational topic selected that year by the FutureBuilders board; need may also be considered.

New Application Process for 2010

• Essay topic for 2010: How can public education be improved through research, resources and responsibility?
• MSBA member district selects its nominee/applicant.
• The nominee/applicant submits the basic application online, beginning October 1, 2009.
• The applicant and their guidance counselor both receive confirmation of the online application and detailed further instructions for completing the application process.
• The applicant submits additional materials - essay, letters of recommendation, transcript, and required signatures.
• Requests for incomplete materials are emailed to the applicant and the guidance counselor.
• All mailed materials must be postmarked by midnight, December 18, 2009.
• A new status page allows board members and superintendents to track the applications from districts by region (available online after October 1).

John T. Belcher Scholarship FAQ's

Application Status Page