What's ACE ?

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

What Does ACE Do?

ACE enrollment provides quality learning opportunities and helps high school students prepare for college. Students experience college level courses - the curriculum and texts have been approved, and the instructors certified by the Maricopa County Community College District. Best of all, the transition from high school to college begins early and occurs conveniently in a familiar, comfortable environment. 

Do I Qualify?

If you are currently enrolled in high school and will be in the 10th grade, you can apply during the Fall semester.

You must meet two or more of the following criteria:

1. First person in the immediate family to attend / graduate from college
2. Evidence of single parent home
3. Works 10-30 hours per week
4. Underrepresented group
5. Environmental risk factors (Will be considered on case by case basis. For example: foster care, teen parent, lives in temporary housing, etc.)

How Do I Apply?

To apply to the program, you need to complete an ACE application packet.  ACE scholarship presentations and distribution of application packets are available at participating high schools. You will need to complete:

• the Program application,
• an MCC Student Information form,
• provide 2 letters of recommendation*,
• create A written essay,
• include your unofficial high school transcripts.

*The letters of recommendation must come from adults who are not related to the student. Teachers*, counselors, coaches, and employers are individuals who have helped with letters of recommendation in the past. *At least one recommendation must be from an academic high school teacher.

Application Timeline:

September – December 

ACE scholarship presentations and distribution of application packets at participating high schools.

March 

All ACE applicants will be notified by mail of whether or not they have been accepted into the ACE Program.

April/May 

Students and Parents/Guardians attend new ACE cohort orientations: Mandatory Attendance

• New ACE Student/Parent Orientation
• Assessment Testing

Our Goals 

• To help underrepresented high school students facilitate the transition from high school to the community colleges and on to a bigger university
• To reduce high school dropout rates
• To assist students with completing their educational goals
• Helping set a good foundation for their future

ACE - Achieving a College Education is a nationally recognized Maricopa Colleges scholarship program designed to improve access to and success in higher education.