Academic Competitiveness Grant Application (ACG) and SMART Programs
Important Information About the ACG and SMART Programs
Important Information About the ACG and SMART Programs
As of the 2011-2012 school year, the federal government will no longer fund the Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) or the National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (SMART). The Financial Aid Office has administered ACG and SMART grants since 2006-2007 when Congress authorized the funding. Unfortunately, the recent Higher Education Reconciliation Act amendments of 2008 did not reauthorize the funding needed to continue to provide these grants. We will, however, continue to award students with other federal and state financial aid based on their Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as calculated by the federal processor from their FAFSA information. When we receive their FAFSA, UC Davis will review student’s eligibility according to the UC Education Finance Policy. The Policy establishes a cost of attendance, subtracts an Expected Family and Student Contribution and any Federal or State aid awarded to determine your eligibility for a UC Grant. If you have not already done so, be sure to complete the 2011-2012 FAFSA online at http://fafsa.ed.gov before March 2.
ACG and SMART Program Details
The Academic Competitiveness Grant Program (ACG) and the National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (SMART) make funds available for low-income college students who meet general Pell Grant program guidelines, as well as additional specified criteria as outlined below. ACG is awarded to first- and second-year college students who have successfully completed a rigorous secondary school program, while SMART grants are awarded to third- and fourth-year college students who major in mathematics, science, technology, engineering, or critical foreign languages. Beginning with the 2009-2010 academic year, eligible non-citizens, and students enrolled with less than 12 but at least 6 units are also eligible for the Grant.
Not all students receiving Pell Grants are eligible for ACG or SMART Grants. Based on the additional eligibility requirements, the Federal Government estimates that less than forty percent of Pell Grant-eligible students will be eligible for an ACG or SMART Grant. As with all programs, funding is limited and subject to change. The Financial Aid Office reviews student eligibility for these grant funds and notifies students through MyAwards as they become eligible.
The Department of Education has specified majors that students must be studying in order to be eligible for SMART grants. If a student's major does not meet the Department of Education specifications even though they meet other criteria, we are unable to fund the student with SMART grant. Here is a list of majors specified by Department of Education which can then be compared to the majors that are offered at UC Davis that meet the criteria.
| Department of Education List of Eligible Majors | UC Davis Eligible Majors |
|---|---|
| Pro-Rated Chart | ||
|---|---|---|
Enrollment status | Units | % Disburse |
Less than 1/2 time | Less than 6 | Zero |
1/2 time | 6 - 8.5 | 50% |
3/4 time | 9 -11.5 | 75% |
Full time | 12 or more | 100% |
ACG and SMART Grant Eligibility Criteria
Students can receive only one grant per grade level, and must meet eligibility and unit requirements to qualify for the grant each year. You must maintain eligibility criteria in order to receive the grant from one quarter to the next.
ACG - 1st year (up to $750)
- Pell eligible
- U.S. Citizen or Eligible Non-Citizen
- Completion of rigorous high school curriculum
- Must be enrolled in at least 6 units; the grant is prorated, students need to be enrolled full-time to receive 100% of the grant (see Pro-Rated Chart).
- 1st year: to be eligible should be within 0-44.5 unit range
ACG - 2nd year (up to $1300)
- Pell eligible
- U.S. Citizen or Eligible Non-Citizen
- 3.0 GPA
- Must be enrolled in at least 6 units; the grant is prorated, students need to be enrolled full-time to receive 100% of the grant (see Pro-Rated Chart).
- 2nd year: to be eligible should be within 45-89.5 unit range
SMART - 3rd/4th year (up to $4000)
- Pell eligible
- U.S. Citizen or Eligible Non-Citizen
- Specific Majors (i.e., computer science, foreign languages, mathematics)
- Must be enrolled in at least 6 units; the grant is prorated, students need to be enrolled full-time to receive 100% of the grant (see Pro-Rated Chart).
- 3.0 GPA at the time of each disbursement
- 3rd year: to be eligible should be within 90-134.5 unit range
- 4th Year: to be eligible should be within 135-185 unit range
Visit to - http://applyonlinegrants.blogspot.com
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