“We are seeing the first real benefit of our new high school graduation requirements,” said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. “More federal financial aid and more educational opportunity is good news for Michigan students and good news for Michigan’s economy."

The U.S. Department of Education notified Michigan that its new Michigan Merit Curriculum has been recognized and accepted as a rigorous secondary school program of study for the purposes of student eligibility for the ACG program. Students who complete a State Scholars Initiative; Advanced Placement; or International Baccalaureate program also qualify for the ACG.

“We are proud of the collaborative, bi-partisan drive of the Governor, State Board of Education, and state Legislature to pass the new high school requirements and put Michigan in a position to qualify for this new federal college grant program,” said state Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan.

An ACG will provide up to $750 for the first year of undergraduate study and up to $2,300 for the second year to full-time students enrolled in a two- or four-year degree program; who are eligible for a federal Pell Grant; and who had successfully completed a rigorous high school program, as determined by the state and recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education. Second-year students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0. The ACG award will be in addition to the student’s Pell Grant award.

Flanagan explained that even though the Michigan Merit Curriculum does not go into effect until the graduating Class of 2011, Michigan students who can show they have taken the same requirements will be able to qualify for the ACG now.

For more information on the Academic Competitiveness Grant, link to the U.S. Department of Education website.