National SMART Grant Cary NC

National SMART Grant Targets Math and Science Undergrads

A new federal financial aid resource aims to help undergraduate students specializing in advanced mathematics and science. The National Science & Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (National SMART Grant) awards money to students majoring in physical, life, or computer sciences, technology, mathematics, engineering, or a foreign language determined crucial to national security. Students in their third or fourth year of a degree program can receive up to $4,000 per academic year.

The National SMART Grant is part of a new financial aid law signed by President Bush in February 2006--its objective is to encourage students to pursue careers relevant to the global market and international affairs. $790 million is reserved for the 2006-07 academic year for the SMART grant and the Academic Competitiveness Grant, both of which were created under the Higher Education Reconciliation Act of 2005.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements?

To be deemed eligible for a National SMART Grant, you must first qualify to receive a federal Pell Grant Award. (Pell Grants are awarded to undergraduates who have sizeable financial need, as established by the U.S. Department of Education's Estimated Family Contribution.)

Students must be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate program, and be in their third or fourth year of study with a declared major in physical, life, or computer sciences, technology, mathematics, engineering, or a foreign language determined crucial to national security. Some of the qualifying languages include Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Russian.

You should have also demonstrated academic excellence in your college or university by maintaining at least a cumulative 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. To apply for the National SMART Grant, you must also be a U.S. citizen.

Note also that the total award amount of the SMART Grant combined with a Pell Grant may not exceed a student's yearly cost of attendance at the educational institution.

How Do I Apply for a National SMART Grant?

You do not have to fill out a separate financial aid application to compete for a SMART Grant. Simply complete your annual Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application, and be sure to specify your major. You will automatically be considered for a SMART Grant. FAFSAs can be submitted on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Source:
Information for Students on Academic Competitiveness and National SMART Grants, U.S. Department of Education.