Montana Governor and State Superintendent Urge Students to Apply For New Grants

Students should apply at http://www.federalstudentaid.ed.gov

Governor Brian Schweitzer and State Superintendent Linda
McCulloch today urged qualified Pell Grant-eligible students to apply
for new federal 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 this fall and $4.5
billion over the next five years.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to reward students who take
challenging courses in high school and pursue college majors in high
demand areas, such as science, math, technology, engineering and
critical foreign languages," said Governor Schweitzer. "Nancy and I
have shared interest science and through our math and science
initiative, we encourage explore the many opportunities to explore
science and math in Montana’s K-12 schools, higher education and
Montana’s splendid surroundings. These grants help make higher
education more affordable and give students the tools to compete in a
global economy. I urge every college student to look at the web site
and check their availability as soon as possible."

"Students can get a valuable head start on college by taking more
challenging high school courses. Helping these students cover the
costs of college will pay off big in the future," pointed out State
Superintendent Linda McCulloch.

As of July 1, students can visit http://www.federalstudentaid.ed.gov to view
eligibility information and apply. The Department of Education
estimates that approximately 500,000 students will qualify to receive
these grants.

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 are already 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 http://www.federalstudentaid.ed.gov or
by calling 1- 800- 4FEDAID (or 1-800-433-3243).

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Sarah J. Elliott
Communications Director
Governor Brian Schweitzer
406-444-9725
[email protected]