New Federal Grant Now Available to AACC Students

A new federal grant available to Anne Arundel Community College students this fall can offset the cost of tuition and fees.

The Academic Competitiveness Grant is part of a new $790 million, nationwide grant initiative with the first awards available for fall students. Created as part of the Higher Education Reconciliation Act of 2005, the grant is designed to complement a student’s federal Pell Grant award. The grant is worth up to $750 for first-year students and up to $1,300 for second-year students.

To be considered for an award students must:

• Complete the 2006-2007 Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
• Apply and gain admission to AACC.
• Submit their high school transcript.
• If a first-year student, have graduated from high school after Jan. 1, 2006. If a second-year student, have graduated from high school after Jan. 1, 2005 and had a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above during their first year at AACC.

Upon receipt of a transcript, AACC admissions officials will notify that student if they have received any grant money. Only U.S. citizens are considered for the grant. GED recipients are not eligible for award money. Information on the Academic Competitiveness Grant is available at www.ed.gov/about/inits/ed/competitiveness/ac-smart.html or at the AACC Office of Student Financial Services on the Arnold campus, 101 College Parkway, 410-777-2203 or e-mail, finaid@aacc.edu.

Financial aid officials are available at the Arnold campus; at AACC at the Glen Burnie Town Center, Arundel Center North second floor, 410-777-2945; and at AACC at Arundel Mills, 7009 Arundel Mills Circle, Hanover, 410-777-2010.

Registration for fall classes is under way. The first fall sessions begin Aug. 28.