Achieving a College Education (ACE)

The transition from high school to college can be challenging — especially if there are financial barriers in your way. Achieving a College Education (ACE) helps make it easier and can help ensure your success.

Pecos Campus features a bridge with a student walking underneath and another student descending the bridge stairs.

About the ACE Scholarship Program

ACE is an early college two-year scholarship preparation program designed to help first-generation, financially disadvantaged college-bound students succeed. This program is not restricted to participants on any protected basis, including race, color, or national origin. All individuals are encouraged to apply and participate.

The ACE Scholarship Program launched at Chandler-Gilbert Community College in the summer of 2002, with its first cohort graduating in 2004. Now offered at all ten Maricopa Community Colleges, ACE is designed to empower motivated students to step outside their comfort zones and discover how to become successful college learners. This two-year program supports students as they navigate key transitions along their educational journey—from high school to community college, and ultimately to a university.

ACE Online Application

The ACE application period has closed for 2025-2026. We thank you for your interest and the next application window will open again in early fall 2026.

ACE Program Goals & Application Information

The three primary goals of the ACE Program are to:

  • Increase the number of students graduating from high school
  • Increase the number of students continuing to college
  • Increase the number of students earning a degree or certificate

High School sophomores are recruited annually between September through December from all southeast valley school districts and charter schools.

Application Instructions 

An ACE student sitting at a desk working on her laptop and doing homework

Juniors & Seniors Earn Up to 24 College Credits

Through the program, you can earn up to 24 college credits during your junior and senior years of high school. You’ll take classes on the CGCC campus to experience and get used to a college environment and ease your transition.

Class Dates for Summer, Spring, and Fall

Summer classes begin the last week of May and are held on Saturdays during the fall and spring semesters

Resources for Students & Families

During the program, ACE students and their families participate in an orientation and financial aid workshops.

The ACE program is looking for high school sophomores who have taken at least 6 high school credits at the time of application submission and who meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • First generation to attend college
  • Living in a single-parent home, foster care, or temporary housing
  • Experiencing economic hardship
  • Environmental factors, such as working while attending high school, or is a teen parent

Applications will also be evaluated based on the following: recommender responses and student essay, etc.

At the college's discretion, student interviews may be conducted as part of the application process.

  1. Submit a complete application packet, which includes the following:
    • ACE program application
    • College admissions application
    • Two (2) completed recommendation forms
    • Personal essay
    • Education and record release form
    • Statement of commitment form
    • Unofficial high school transcripts 
    • Proof of age (under 18) – Provide a government-issued photo ID online or in person at Admissions and Records
    • Proof of residency – Provide documentation verifying your citizenship and residency status online or in person at Admissions and Records
  2. Your completed application will be evaluated based on the selection criteria listed above.
  3. You will be notified by letter on the status of your application by January of your sophomore year.
  4. If you are accepted into the ACE program, you will receive a scholarship offer to attend the ACE program for your junior and senior year, as well as the ACE Student/Parent Orientation New Student Kick-Off event.

Applications are accepted for the ACE Program annually, starting in September. Check with your high school counselor to see when ACE will be on your campus to recruit students for the program.

The following is an estimated timeline for the ACE application submission process.

  • September to November: Applications are available and recruitment presentations are held at area high schools. Check with your counselor for more information.
  • January: Notifications are sent confirming the ACE application was received and will be considered for committee review.
  • February: Letters of conditional acceptance and denial are mailed to students via USPS.
  • March: Mandatory Preliminary New Student/Parent Orientation and placement testing are conducted for all accepted students.
  • May: Mandatory Final New Student Orientation for all accepted students.
  • June: First day of ACE college classes!

  • Academic assessment and college orientation
  • Academic advising
  • University field trips
  • Parent/guardian seminars
  • Financial aid and scholarship workshops

ACE seeks to:

  • Increase the number of students graduating from high school
  • Increase the number of students continuing onto college after ACE
  • Increase the number of degrees or certificates earned

Chandler Unified School District

  • Chandler High School
  • Basha High School
  • Casteel High School
  • Hamilton High School
  • Perry High School
  • El Dorado High School

Gilbert Public Schools

  • Campo Verde High School
  • Desert Ridge High School
  • Gilbert High School
  • Highland High School
  • Mesquite High School

Higley Unified School District

  • Higley High School
  • Williams Field High School

Queen Creek High School District

  • Queen Creek High School

Charter High Schools

  • Arizona Virtual Academy
  • Learning Foundation and Performing Arts (LFPA)
  • Academy with Community Partners (ACP)

Student Highlights

"Iveth successfully completed 33 college credits before graduating high school, 24 of which were earned through her time in the ACE Program. Currently, Iveth is pursuing an Associate in General Business at Chandler-Gilbert on a full ride scholarship." Iveth

Iveth