The change will cut the academy's budget from more than $700,000 to around $250,000.

The academy hosts more than 300 of Missouri's high school juniors to attend special classes at the University of Missouri. The program, that started Monday, is for gifted students and lasts three weeks. Although the Academy has been a yearly staple for 25 years, its future looks to be in jeopardy.

One staff member says there have been budget cuts in the past, but this is the most serious.  Despite the concern, they don't know what will happen to the Academy or the students it serves.

"It all hit when we had the budget and we were also planning for this year, so we're looking for both the future of the academy and for the next three weeks," said Christopher Young, the programming director.

State lawmakers cut most of the funding in this year's budget.  Missouri is just one of several states cutting money for special and gifted education programs.

Students at the Academy say the programs offered are unlike anything available in their schools.  They also see it as a chance to get to know other students with similar interests and talents. 

There are no solid plans to make up for the funding shortfall yet, but the Scholars Academy will consider charging students tuition, private donations and grant requests.