Number: RL33457
Title: Academic Competitiveness Grants: Background, Description, and Selected Issues
Authors: Charmaine Mercer, Domestic Social Policy Division 
Abstract: The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA) (P.L. 109-171) established the Academic Competitiveness grant program (AC grant). AC grants are intended to provide funding for eligible students who qualify for need-based federal student aid, and who complete a rigorous secondary school program, to assist them with paying for college expenses. This report describes the AC grant program, including the eligibility criteria and the various ways of satisfying the rigorous secondary school program requirement. It also includes a discussion of the funding levels for the program. Finally, the report concludes with a discussion of selected policy issues related to the AC grant program.
Pages: 7
Date: August 18, 2006