The federal government has addressed rigorous, college preparatory curriculum through two programs. The ACG and SMART Grants, and the COMPETES Act.
ACG and SMART Grants. Academic Competitiveness Grants (ACG) and Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grants were authorized in December 2005 in the portion of the Higher Education Act that was addressed by the FY06 reconciliation package.
The COMPETES Act. The America COMPETES Act (Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology, Education, and Science) was signed into law on August 9, 2007. The bill will provide grant funds to improve instruction in science, math, and foreign language. Read a summary of the legislation's education provisions.