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Upper Iowa University takes extra step to alert students about two new federal grants

FAYETTE, Iowa (June 16, 2006)--Upper Iowa University financial aid staff will make a concerted effort to make sure all students who have already applied to or are currently attending UIU are aware of two new grants being offered by the U.S. Department of Education.

The “Academic Competitiveness” (AC) and the National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) grants will make $790 million available in the 2006-07 academic year and $4.5 billion over the next five years.

AC grants will be awarded to first- and second-year college students, who have completed a “rigorous” secondary education program as defined by their state. SMART grants will be awarded to third- and fourth-year college students, majoring in mathematics, science, technology, engineering, or critical foreign languages. Eligible students must meet general Pell Grant program guidelines.

Qualified students will be contacted by the government, via e-mail, and students must self-certify to become eligible to receive either grant.

However, in an effort to maximize student certification, Upper Iowa University will also be alerting all of its Pell Grant recipients at its Iowa, Wisconsin, Kansas and Louisiana centers, as well as students enrolled in online and correspondence courses.

“We want to do everything we can to help our students afford quality education,” said Jobyna Johnston, director of financial aid for Upper Iowa University. “We want to make sure no student misses the opportunity for this additional funding.”

To learn more about these two new federal grants, go to www.ed.gov or call 1-800-USA-LEARN.

About Upper Iowa University

Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing educational excellence and leadership development to approximately 6,000 students – both nationally and internationally -- at our traditional campus in picturesque Fayette, Iowa; through our various online degree programs; at our U.S. centers; via our correspondence program; and at our international centers in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and Vancouver. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in the delivery of accredited, quality education and is proud of its diverse range of student populations and progressive, flexible options for traditional and non-traditional students of all ages. To learn more about Upper Iowa University, its degree programs, locations and renowned scholars, please visit us at www.uiu.edu.

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Upper Iowa University
Public Relations
Sheila Miller, Director
563-425-5326
millers@uiu.edu

Upper Iowa University
Public Relations
P.O. Box 1859
Fayette, IA 52142-1859