2009-10
Federal Academic Competitiveness Grant
&
The National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant
Fact Sheet
A Federal Program Administered by the United States
Department of Education Federal Regulation 34 CFR 691
Program Description
The Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) was signed into law on February 8, 2006, as part of the
Higher Education Reconciliation Act of 2005. This Federal grant is administered by the United States Department
of Education (ED), and is intended to encourage high school students to complete challenging and rigorous coursework
in high school which will likely increase their success in college and lead them to pursue college majors in high
demand in the global economy. The ACG is available to students who attend two-year and four-year degree-granting postsecondary
institutions that participate in Title IV Federal Financial Aid programs. Students should contact the financial aid
office at the institution they plan to attend for detailed program information.
The National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (National SMART Grant) provides up to $4,000 for
each of the third and fourth years of undergraduate study. The National SMART Grant award is in addition to the
student's Pell Grant award. The student must be enrolled in an eligible major.
Initial Eligibility Requirements to Receive Funding
ACG
The eligible student will:
- Be a U.S. citizen;
- Be eligible to receive a Pell Grant during the same award year;
- Be enrolled at least half-time in a degree program for the first or second academic year of a program
of study at a two-year or four-year degree-granting postsecondary institution;
- Have completed a rigorous secondary school program of study (after January 1, 2006, for a first-year student,
and after January 1, 2005, if a second-year student);
- If a second year student, have at least a 3.0 institutional cumulative grade point average (GPA) for the
first academic year; and
- Not have previously received a baccalaureate degree.
National SMART Grant
The eligible student will:
- Be a US citizen;
- Be eligible to receive a Pell Grant, during the same award year:
- Be enrolled at least half-time as a third or fourth year student
(or fifth year of a five-year program) in a baccalaureate degree program;
- Have a 3.0 institutional cumulative GPA;
- Be enrolled in an eligible major in one of the following categories: Computer Science, Engineering,
Critical Foreign Languages, Life Sciences, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Technology, or
non-major single liberal arts programs. You may visit
http://ifap.ed.gov/dpcletters/GEN0809.html
to view a complete list of eligible majors.
- Contact the financial aid office at the postsecondary institution to notify the institution
of potential eligibility.
See the links below for additional ED information and Florida eligibility criteria options for 2009-10.
Applying for an Award
ACG
- The student will demonstrate financial need via the
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- The student who completes the FAFSA online:
- Will be evaluated for preliminary eligibility.
- If the student is predetermined eligible, the student is given the opportunity
to answer the ACG questions.
- The student who completes the FAFSA via hardcopy:
- Will receive information on the Student Aid Report (SAR) indicating whether or not the
student is eligible to answer the ACG questions.
- If the student is predetermined eligible, the student should answer the ACG questions by
contacting the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4FED-AID.
- The student’s postsecondary institution will receive the results of the
FAFSA.
- The student’s completed courses and grades received from high school (for a first year grant
recipient) and college (for a second year grant recipient) will determine eligibility for the ACG.
National SMART Grant
- The student will demonstrate financial need via the
FAFSA.
- The student’s postsecondary institution will receive the results of the
FAFSA.
- The student should contact the financial aid office at the postsecondary institution to notify the institution
of potential eligibility.
The deadline for filing the FAFSA, for the 2009-10
award year, is June 30, 2010 for the ACG, the National SMART Grant, as well as the Federal Pell Grant, Federal student
loans, and for all other Title IV programs. Deadlines are published annually in the Federal Register.
Student Award Renewal
ACG & National SMART Grant
- Meet annual eligibility requirements.
- Demonstrate financial need by completing an error free
FAFSA each academic year
by the specified deadline
Award Procedures
ACG
- First year students may receive up to $750, and second year students may receive up to $1,300.
- The postsecondary institution uses the results of the
FAFSA to aid in the determination of a student’s
award amount. Additionally, the ACG is a need-based grant and may not, in conjunction with other gift aid or
need-based loans or work, exceed the student’s need.
National SMART Grant
- Third and fourth year (or fifth year of a five-year program) undergraduate students may receive up to $4,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
- The postsecondary institution uses the results of the
FAFSA to aid in the determination of a student’s
award amount. Additionally, the National SMART Grant is a need-based grant and may not, in conjunction with
other gift aid or need-based loans or work, exceed the student’s need.
Award Disbursement
ACG & National SMART Grant
Following award notification, the funds established by the ED are sent directly to the financial aid office at
the institution the recipient attends.
For further information, visit the ED Web site at
www.ed.gov or call toll-free 1-800-USA-LEARN or 1-800-433-3243.
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