In 2006, two student grant programs--the Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) and National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (National SMART Grant) Programs--were enacted to meet the growing need for improved math and science instruction, These grants encourage students to take more challenging courses in high school--making success in college more likely, according to research--and to pursue college majors in high demand in the global economy, such as science, mathematics, technology, engineering and critical foreign languages.

Academic Competitiveness Grants are available to students for their first and second academic years of college. National SMART Grants are available to students for their third and fourth academic years of college.

• Academic Competitiveness Grant Program and National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant Program - Final Regulations (October 29, 2007)

• Academic Competitiveness and National SMART Grants - Information for Students and Parents

• Results are in. The results from years one and two for AC and National SMART Grants have been compiled.

• Academic Competitiveness Grants (ACG) - Recognized State Rigorous Secondary School Programs of Study:

  • For 2009 Graduates

  • For 2008 Graduates

  • For 2007 Graduates

  • For 2005 and 2006 Graduates

• Academic Competitiveness Grant Program and National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant Program - Final regulations (November 1, 2006)

• Dear Colleague Letter providing guidance to institutions concerning implementation of the "academic year" definition within the ACG and National SMART Grant programs for the 2006-07 and 2007-08 award years (October 20, 2006)

• Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) and National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (National SMART Grant) Programs - Program Web Site

• Academic Competitiveness Grant Program and National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant Program - Interim final regulations; request for comments (July 3, 2006)

• Information for Students on ACG and National SMART Grants (June 29, 2006)

• Dear Colleague Letter describing plans for implementation (May 2, 2006)

• Fact Sheet on Student Eligibility Options (May 2006)

• Dear Colleague Letter from the Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education and the Chief Operating Officer, Federal Student Aid on ACG and National SMART Grant Programs (April 5, 2006)
  - Attachment (PDF)

• Dear Colleague Letter from the Office of Postsecondary Education and the Chief Operating Officer, Federal Student Aid providing the list of academic majors eligible for the National SMART Grants for the 2006-07 award year (May 2, 2006)
  - Attachment (PDF)

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