ACG and SMART

The Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) and the National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant were approved by congressional legislation to provide financial support for students in higher education and particularly to promote study in math and science. These new grants may be applied in addition to all other scholarships, grants, and work program awards.

Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)

ACG Award:
ACG 1: 1^st year students (0-29.5 credits) $750
ACG 2: 2^nd year students (30-59.5 credits) $1,300

ACG Student Criteria:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be a federal Pell grant recipient in the same award year the ACG is received
  
• Be enrolled full-time in a degree program
• Be enrolled in the first academic year (0-29.5 earned credit hours) or second academic year (30-59.5 earned credit hours) of his or her program of study at a two-year or four-year program of study
• If a second-year student, must have at least a cumulative 3.0 GPA for the first academic year
  
• Have completed a rigorous secondary (high school) program of study as defined below* (after January 1, 2006, if a first-year student, and after January 1, 2005, if a second-year student)

ACG Rigorous Program of Study:

* Students must meet, and document for UVSC, only one option below:

Option 1: Complete 6 credits of concurrent enrollment at UVSC with B or better grades from core academic courses (English, math, science, social studies, foreign language) This option approved for Utah students only

Option 2: Complete 6 credits of concurrent enrollment at another institution of higher education in Utah with B or better grades from core academic courses (English, math, science, social studies, foreign language) This option approved for Utah students only

Option 3: Complete two Advanced Placement (AP) courses with a test score of 3 or higher for each course; or complete two International Baccalaureate (IB) courses with a test score of 4 or higher for each course

Option 4: Complete with passing scores (grades acceptable for credit toward high school graduation) the following curriculum:

4 years of English

3 years of math – Two must be Algebra I & a course higher than Algebra I

3 years of science – Two must be Biology, Chemistry, or Physics

3 years of social sciences

1 year of a language other than English

Click here for the ACG Documentation Checklist, which should be submitted with appropriate documentation for the UVSC Financial Aid and Scholarship Office.


National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant

SMART Award:

SMART 3: 3^rd year students (60-89.5 credit hours) $4,000

SMART 4: 4^th year students (90 + credit hours) $4,000

SMART Student Criteria:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be a federal Pell grant recipient in the same award year the SMART is received
• Be enrolled full-time in an eligible degree program
• Be matriculated in a four-year degree program
• Have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 each semester
• Be enrolled in the third academic year (60-89.5 earned credit hours) or fourth academic year (90 + earned credit hours†) of an eligible program of study (earned hours include UVSC credits and TRANSFER credits)
• † The fourth academic year definition of 90 + credit hours is applicable for the 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 award years ONLY. Beginning with the 2008-2009 award year, the fourth academic year will be redefined and the number of maximum credits allowed will be limited
• Be pursuing a degree in computer science, life science, mathematics, physical science, technology, or another eligible major field of study
• Be enrolled in and attending at least one core class that is required for the SMART Grant-eligible major each semester (Core discipline requirements may be found online in the UVSC Course Catalog)

All SMART eligible students, who have declared an eligible major with an academic advisor, will be automatically identified and awarded. if you would like to request additional consideration, you may submit the National SMART Grant Request form to the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office.