Gov. Matt Blunt ceremonially signs a bill amending the A+ program. The bill went into effect in August.

This is the first semester that students at Ranken Technical College can receive state scholarships through the A-Plus program. And about 20 Ranken students are taking advantage of them right now, though more are expected to apply for them in coming years.

That’s because of a new state law that went into effect on Aug. 28. Even though it was already enacted, Gov. Matt Blunt visited the college last week for a ceremonial signing of the bill. (Hence, the picture to the left.)

Previously, students from designated A+ high schools and who met certain eligibility criteria could receive two years of free tuition to attend only public community colleges or public vocational schools in the state. The bill added private, non-profit vocational schools who meet the same accreditation standards to that list. Ranken is the only school to benefit from that expansion. (The bill, by the way, misspelled the school’s name, calling it “Rankin.”)

It’s worth noting, too, that the bill says that the scholarships to private, non-profit vocational schools cannot exceed the tuition rates of the community college in the area. And so since Ranken’s tuition is higher than community college tuition rate, students still have to pay some amount out of their pockets.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Jamilah Nasheed, also allows any school district to participate in the A+ program, regardless of its accreditation status. That bill change opened the door for districts like the unaccredited St. Louis Public Schools to apply to be an A+ school.

About 254 public high schools — out of about 500 statewide — are currently designated A+ schools.