July 12 , 2006
Volume 2006– Issue 33
Final Regulations for AC and SMART Grants
The U.S. Secretary of Education has amended title 34 to establish regulations for the Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) and National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (National SMART Grant) programs. The regulations for other programs are also amended to implement provisions of the HERA. These interim final regulations and amendments are needed to implement provisions of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA), as amended by the Higher Education Reconciliation Act of 2005 (HERA). Please see the Federal Register dated July 3, 2006, page numbers 37989-38012.
The interim final regulations for the ACG and National SMART Grant programs specify the eligibility requirements for a student to apply for and receive an award under these programs for the 2006-2007 award year. These interim final regulations also identify the roles of institutions of higher education, State educational agencies, and local educational agencies in administering the programs. These interim final regulations will be effective for the 2006-2007 award year. The Secretary is, however, soliciting comments on all aspects of these interim final regulations and may, for the 2007-2008 award year, amend and finalize them as appropriate in response to comments received. These regulations are effective August 2, 2006. The Department must receive any comments on or before August 17, 2006.
The ACG Program awards grants to eligible financially needy students who complete a rigorous secondary school program of study. An ACG is available during a student's first and second academic years of undergraduate education in an eligible undergraduate program. The National SMART Grant Program awards grants to eligible financially needy students who are pursuing majors in the physical, life, or computer sciences, mathematics, technology, engineering, or foreign languages critical to the national security of the United States. A National SMART Grant is available to students during the third and fourth academic years of undergraduate education in an eligible undergraduate program.
Any questions related to this Bulletin should be directed to UHEAA Policy and Training at 801.321.7166 or by e-mail to mjohnson@utahsbr.edu.