Facts Sheet
+ - Mission of the ACE Plus Program
The mission of the ACE Plus Program is to increase the number of at risk or financially disadvantaged or first generation college bound students, who successfully complete high school and make a smooth transition into higher education.
+ - Objectives of the ACE Plus Program
- Demystify higher education, its requirements, costs and benefits.
- Familiarize students with college life.
- Provide tools for students to succeed socially, academically and personally.
- Assist students in identifying educational, career, vocational goals and interests.
- Identify sources of financial assistance and scholarships and facilitate students in the application process.
- To empower parents/guardians to become actively involved in their students education and future.
- To collaborate with local educational institutions, community partnerships and the private sector.
- To provide continuous follow up and support to each cohort to ensure retention and success.
+ - Overview of the ACE Plus Program
Achieving a College Education (ACE) Plus is a scholarship-based early outreach program designed to take the intimidation factor out of college for high school students who are members of statistical populations that are not likely to continue onto college.
Accepted students participate in college classes Monday thru Thursday at Glendale Community College for about one month each Summer. The also participate in Fall and Spring semester classes on Saturdays during the normal school year.
The program is a collaborative effort involving many colleges, universities, high schools, high school districts, business, and private donors.
+ - Key Services Provided to ACE Plus Students
- Assessment and development of proficiency in basic academic skills essential for college success.
- Identification of educational, career, vocational goals and interests.
- Personal and academic support from mentors, college staff, and student peers (role models).
- Familiarization and involvement with college and university activities and culture.
- Enrichment activities and University Bridge programs while students are concurrently enrolled in high school and college.
- Parents/guardians involvement in seminars, workshops and orientation meetings.
+ - Target Populations of the ACE Plus Program
Target population is high school juniors who, without the support of the ACE Plus Program, would be at-risk of not succeeding in a higher educational environment. Over 60% of the Program's participants are first generation college students. ACE Plus is operational at eight high schools - Alhambra, Apollo, Barry Goldwater, Deer Valley, Dysart, Glendale, Independence, Maryvale, Moon Valley, Peoria, and Trevor G. Browne.
+ - Application and Selection Process
Students must have the desire to attend college and submit a program application.
Students from each of the four quartiles of academic achievement are selected. Selection is very competitive, and only a limited number will be chosen from each high school.
+ - Results of ACE Plus Program Participation
ACE Plus has a 12-year record of encouraging students to graduate from high school while concurrently completing college courses. The program has an impressive record of preparing students to enter college, complete college course work and enter the labor force or transfer to a 4-year university.
- 90-95% of the high school students affiliated with the program graduate from high school.
- 83% of program participants who graduate from high school go on to attend post-secondary institutions both in and out of state.
- 3.0 (B) is the overall GPA (Grade Point Average) accumulated by students for college course work completed during the time they are concurrently enrolled in high school and college throughout the ACE Plus Program.
Ace Plus
