Gov. Matt Blunt stopped by the University of Missouri-Rolla today to outline his plan to more than double funding for needs-based scholarships and streamline state programs to make scholarships more available for Missouri students.

Following recommendations from the state’s Student Financial Aid Committee, Blunt recommended that the state combine its two needs-based scholarship programs into one new program called Access Missouri. The new program would make it easier for Missouri families to plan for college because the scholarship will be more predictable, Blunt says.

“The new funding I have recommended for scholarships will significantly expand students’ access to college and higher education opportunities,” Blunt says. “Simply put, our plan provides more scholarships for more students.”

At UMR, the number of students estimated to be eligible to receive aid under the program will go from 432 to more than 1,200.

If the Legislature approves the measure, it would be implemented Aug. 28.

State Rep. Bob May, a Republican whose District 149 includes Rolla, UMR Chancellor John F. Carney III, and two UMR students also spoke during the conference and shared their support of the program.