ACE FAQ

Achieving a College Education (ACE) is a scholarship program to help high school students earn college credit. Successful ACE students can earn up to 24-college credits, learn skills, and develop opportunities for growth.

Any high school sophomore may apply. The application period varies but typically opens in October each year. Because of the 2-year duration of the program, only sophomores may apply. There are limited spots and selection is competitive.

All steps must be completed in order:

  1. Become a student at MCCCD. Students that have a Maricopa ID (MEID) and password AND have been admitted to GCC, can Skip to step 2.
  2. Submit a complete ACE Program application, which includes the following:
    • ACE program application
    • Two (2) completed recommendation forms
    • Personal essay
    • Unofficial high school transcripts
  3. Submit your student forms in your Student Center under My Student Forms tile and select High School and Under 18.
    • Under 18 & FERPA Release Form- Provide parent/guardian consent for financial responsibility and approval.
    • ID Authentication Form- Provide a current U.S. Passport/Passport Card, or Arizona Driver's License, or Current Instruction Permit, or ID Card or U.S. issued birth certificate WITH High School ID are acceptable

  1. Your completed application will be evaluated based on the selection criteria.
  2. You will be notified of the status of your application by January of your sophomore year.
  3. Students that are preliminary accepted will be invited to an in-person interview in January. This will give us the opportunity to meet you and learn more about your interests
  4. If you are accepted into the ACE program, you will receive the ACE Program scholarship. Accepted students must attend the New Student and Family Orientation (Student/Parent) and Summer Kick-Off event.
  5. Students are also expected to complete EdReady Placement Testing (online)
    • English and Critical Reading & Thinking
  6. Students that do not meet all requirements with the placement testing and attending required events will not be accepted into the program and will lose the program scholarship.

All students will be notified in February each year.

Yes, the policy is outlined below: The GCC ACE Program allows a maximum of two (2) absences per student with a valid excuse during the fall/spring semesters and a maximum of one (1) absence during our summer semester. If absent, it is the student's responsibility to contact the ACE office and the instructor. If a student exceeds the two (2) excused absences he/she will be put in Attendance Probation. Further consequences include being withdrawn from the class and are at risk of losing their ACE Scholarship. Remember, accepting the ACE scholarship means accepting college student responsibilities. A big part of that is attending class.

The GCC ACE Program is a fully-in person program, with classes being in person at the GCC main campus. Summer classes are held on Monday-Thursday and fall/spring classes are held on Saturday.

Tuition and fees are covered with the ACE program scholarship for those that qualify for in-state tuition. Students may be required to purchase textbooks and provide their own transportation to and from the campus. Bus passes are limited and available for students to assist with transportation needs, on a first come first serve basis.

Students that are selected to participate in the ACE program, will attend college classes year-round. Students take two classes during the week over the summer semester. During the Fall and Spring semester, students will take one Saturday class per semester. Students must start the program the first summer upon acceptance. Students can earn up to 24 credits. The ACE scholarship ends upon graduating from high school.

Classes will be in-person.

Once you have been accepted into the program, you will take an assessment test to determine your readiness for college-level English and Reading courses. You will take ENG101 and ENG102 in the program. You will meet with your ACE Program advisor (similar to an Academic Counselor) in regards to your other classes based on your field of interest.

Once your classes are scheduled by the ACE offices, you can see your schedule in your Student Center under the Manage Classes tile.

Each semester your instructor will post your grades online. To view your grades, you simply use the www.maricopa.edu/students website and log in with your MEID and password. Once signed in, select Academic Records tile and View Grades.

Students must receive a 70% or higher to be passing college courses.

All college courses are measured by credit hours. This represents the number of hours per week a student is in class. Most courses you will be taking are three credit hours, meaning you will be in class approximately three hours per week.

Don't hesitate to contact the GCC ACE Office at 623-845-3094 or [email protected] to answer your questions. You may also refer to our application timeline for any application questions.

It is very important that your current address and telephone number is always on file. You MUST update it on your Student Center and advise our ACE offices, as soon as a change occurs with any of your personal information.