When the ACE Program started, little did GCC know how it would impact lives for the next 30 years. ACE stands for Achieving a College Education. And it certainly lives up to its name. Since 2014 alone, the program has increased high school graduation rates to 90+%, boosted GPAs for well over 3.0 and sent 75+% of students on to college.
Those are impressive numbers for a local collaboration among area universities, high schools, "at risk" students, and parents that seeks to motivate underrepresented students and
1) increase the number of students graduating from high school,
2) increase the number of students continuing to college, and
3) increase the number of students earning a college-level degree or certificate.
That’s why hundreds of high school students jump at the chance to be a part of the GCC ACE Program each year. This year’s deadline to apply for ACE is Dec. 16, and students can apply online.
What are the benefits?
The program lasts six semesters and provides $2,000 in college scholarship money for U.S. and AZ residents. Students get to earn college credit and experience college life.
BEFORE high school graduation!
Students earn up to 24 college credits while attending high school during their junior and senior years. Certain programs may even pay tuition and course fees!
How does it work?
Students take college classes during the fall, spring and summer semesters at GCC. Students and their families participate in an orientation and a series of ongoing activities and events, such as financial aid and career workshops along the way.
During your junior and senior years, you attend ACE classes and pass with at least a C (or higher). You must purchase your own textbooks and have your own transportation or way to get to the campus.
It’s that easy!
Who is it for?
- First-generation college students
- Students from a single-parent home
- Students from an underrepresented group
- Those with an economic hardship
- Students from foster care/temporary housing
- Those experiencing homelessness
- Teen parents
GCC prides itself on providing nine essential elements that make the ACE program a success with students and parents: 1) the creation of student cohort groups, 2) a focus on at-risk students, 3) high academic standards, 4) a non-threatening environment, 5) continuous contact with students, 6) family involvement, 7) strong collaboration between institutions, 8) long overlap of transition points, and 9) scholarships and financial aid information.
Want to know more?
GCC is holding application workshops soon. Or ACE recruiters will be visiting high schools too. Check with your counselor when GCC ACE will be on your campus. GCC ACE invites you and a parent/guardian to attend a recruitment presentation and Wednesday through Dec. 7, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., or Saturdays through Dec. 10, 9:30-10:30 a.m. No RSVP is required!
Contact the ACE office with questions at 623-845-3094 or aceplus@gccaz.edu.