Academic Competitiveness Grant offered to Pell Grant recipients who qualify

Students currently receiving Pell Grants may be eligible for additional funding through a new federal financial aid grant called the Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG), according to Tommy Young, Panola College Financial Aid Director. “The grant pays $750 for the first year and $1,300 for the second year to eligible students,” Young said.

Created by the U.S. Department of Education, the grant assists students who have demonstrated academic success through the completion of a rigorous high school program. In Texas, these programs would be the Recommended and Distinguished programs.

To be eligible for the first year grant, students must be receiving a Pell Grant, be enrolled for at least 12 semester hours, be a U.S. citizen, have completed secondary school program of study after January 1, 2006, not be enrolled in a certificate program, and have remaining financial need as determined through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

To be eligible for the second year grant, students must meet be receiving a Pell Grant, be enrolled for at least 12 semester hours, be a U.S. citizen, have completed secondary school program of study after January 1, 2005, have completed at least 24 semester hours (not counting hours taken while in high school), have a minimum 3.00 GPA in an eligible program from first Title IV academic year (not counting hours while in high school), and have remaining financial need as determined through the FAFSA.

This fall, Panola College awarded 71 first year students $26,625, and 19 second year students $12,350 for a grand total of $38,975 of ACG funds. For more information, contact the Panola College Financial Aid office at 903-693-2039.