SB 712 - This act requires that each school district or local educational agency (LEA) designate a salaried employee to serve as the Access Missouri Director to administer the program. Each district or LEA shall assume a minimum of one-half the cost of the salary and other benefits provided to the director. Such employee may also serve as the program coordinator for the A+ Schools Program. (Section 173.1103) This act also modifies the Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program by modifying eligibility requirements. To be eligible, students shall enter into a written program commitment agreement at the beginning of the applicant's ninth grade year that includes a personal plan of study, which shall be developed by the student in consultation with the student's parent or guardian, the district's or LEA's Access Missouri Director, and school guidance personnel. Such personal plan of study shall meet certain requirements as described in the act. An eligible student must be assigned a mentor by the Access Missouri Director in consultation with the student, parent or guardian, and school guidance personnel. The mentor shall advise and consult with the student on effective and successful work habits and career paths. An eligible student must perform fifty hours of unpaid tutoring or mentoring, of which up to twenty-five percent may include job shadowing. Students who meet all eligibility requirements shall be eligible to receive funds during his or her high school career to pay for dual enrollment credits from an approved private or public institution of higher education that are directly applicable to a postsecondary associate or bachelor's degree. Payment to institutions shall occur only after successful completion of approved credit hours. (Section 173.1104) This act contains provisions that are similar to those contained in HCS/HB 377 (2015). JOSHUA NORBERG