What is the Achieving a College Education Program?

ACE is a nationally recognized Maricopa Colleges scholarship program that gives qualified students the chance to take college credit courses while still enrolled in high school.

What Does ACE Do?

Requirements/Qualifications

• Must be a current sophomore and will be a Junior at program start
• Must meet two or more of the following criteria:
  • First generation college student (meaning your parents have not earned a Bachelor’s Degree)
  • Single-Parent Household
  • Works Part Time (10-30 hours per week) to support the family
  • Member of a traditionally underrepresented population in higher education
  • Other environmental risk factors will be considered on a case-by-case basis. (Example: foster care, teen parent, lives in temporary housing, etc.)

***Even if you think you might not fit all the requirements, we still encourage you to apply and let us decide.

Application Tools

• View the Step-by-step guide to learn how to complete the application

• When applying be sure to use your personal email address
• Be sure to have two individuals that will provide a recommendation for you (Recommenders should be individuals outside of your family such as a teacher, counselor, church leader, coach, employer, etc.)
• Have an unofficial copy of your most recent high school transcript ready

Application Timeline

Our Goals

• Help underrepresented high school students facilitate the transition from high school to the community colleges and on to bigger universities
• Reduce high school dropout rates
• Assist students with completing their educational goals
• Help set a good foundation for their future