[Mabs] Student Grants

[David Andrews]

The following information was shared with us by the National 
Governors Association.

Sent: Wednesday, July 12, 2006 4:19 PM
Subject: GOVERNORS URGE STUDENTS TO APPLY FOR $790 MILLION IN NEW GRANTS

NGA News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 5, 2006

Contact:  Jodi Omear 202-624-5346



GOVERNORS URGE STUDENTS TO APPLY FOR $790 MILLION

IN NEW GRANTS

Students Should Apply at www.federalstudentaid.ed.gov



WASHINGTON-The nation's governors today urged qualified Pell 
Grant-eligible students to apply for new grants worth between $750 
and $4,000 that will help make college more affordable.  The new 
Academic Competitiveness (AC) grants and the National Science and 
Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) grants provide $790 
million in funding for this fall and $4.5 billion over the next five years.



"The nation's governors have long been focused on finding ways for 
students to receive the best education possible to compete in our 
global economy," said Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, chair of the 
National Governors Association's Education/Early Childhood and 
Workforce Committee (ECW).  "Rigorous and relevant learning is a key 
to our future success.  These grants will inspire academic excellence 
and make careers in science and math more attractive."



"This is an opportunity to make college more affordable and to reward 
those students who have worked hard," said Washington Gov. Chris 
Gregoire, vice chair of ECW.  "These grants encourage our students to 
continue to excel academically, and I hope interested students will 
go to the Web site to check their eligibility."



These grants provide further incentive for students to take more 
challenging courses in high school and pursue college majors in high 
demand areas, such as science, math, technology, engineering and 
critical foreign languages.  The Department of Education estimates 
approximately 500,000 students will qualify to receive these grants.



"The National Governors Association has been a much-needed advocate 
for excellence in our nation's high schools," said U.S. Secretary of 
Education Margaret Spellings.  "By encouraging students to take 
rigorous classes in high school, the new Academic Competitiveness 
Grants and SMART Grants help fulfill our shared vision for American 
high schools that are challenging, vibrant places that facilitate all 
students' successful transition to higher education and the workforce."



The AC grants provide college students who completed a rigorous 
course of study in high school with additional funds of up to $750 
during their freshman year and up to $1,300 during their sophomore 
year. This is in addition to Pell Grant funds students already are 
receiving.  College juniors and seniors who are eligible for SMART 
grants automatically will receive up to $4,000 in additional aid next year.



To receive an Academic Competitiveness Grant, rising college freshmen 
and sophomores must be Pell Grant-eligible and have completed a 
program of rigorous high school course work as defined by their state 
and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.   To receive a 
SMART Grant, third- and fourth-year Pell Grant-eligible students must 
meet the requirements, major in designated science, technology, math 
or critical foreign languages and maintain a 3.0 GPA.



Students can receive more eligibility and application information for 
both of these grant programs online at www.federalstudentaid.ed.gov 
or by calling 1- 800- 4FEDAID (or 1-800-433-3243).  For a fact sheet 
on the Academic Competitiveness and SMART Grants, click here.



###



The National Governors Association (NGA) is the collective voice of 
the nation's governors and one of Washington, D.C.'s most respected 
public policy organizations. NGA provides governors with services 
that range from representing states on Capitol Hill and before the 
administration, to developing policy reports on innovative state 
programs and hosting networking seminars for state government 
executive branch officials. The NGA Center for Best Practices focuses 
on state innovations and best practices on issues that range from 
education and health to technology, welfare reform, and the 
environment. For more information about NGA and the Center for Best 
Practices, please visit www.nga.org.








David Andrews and white cane Harry.