What is the Achieving a College Education Program?

ACE is a nationally recognized Maricopa Colleges scholarship program that allows qualified students 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 the 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 who will provide a recommendation for you. (Recommenders should be individuals outside 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

• The ACE application will be open on October 1st, 2023

• The priority deadline is December 15, 2023

Our Goals

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