The Academic Competitiveness Grant is available for the first time for the 2006-2007 school year for first year students who graduated from high school after January 1, 2006, and for second year students who graduated from high school after January 1, 2005. The Academic Competitiveness Grant award is in addition to the student's Pell Grant award.

How Much Can A Student Receive?

An Academic Competitiveness Grant will provide up to $750 for the first year of undergraduate study and up to $1,300 for the second year of undergraduate study to full-time students who are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant and who had successfully completed a rigorous high school program, as determined by the state or local education agency and recognized by the Secretary of Education. Second year students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0.

Students will be asked to self certify and we will receive comments on the ISIR. Students who have not filed the FAFSA by July 1 will see additional certification questions when they apply. Students who already completed a 2006-07 FAFSA will receive letters and/or emails from DOE with instructions about self certifying.

Click here to begin the self certification process.