ACE Program

student in library

Get a Head Start on College

For over 30 years, the Achieving a College Education (ACE) program at Scottsdale Community College has helped students transition smoothly from high school to university. We’re here to help you build confidence, stay motivated, and earn your degree.

Why Join ACE?

  • Earn While You Learn: Graduate high school with up to 24 transferable college credits.
  • Scholarships: ACE provides scholarships so you can experience college life at SCC—tuition-free.
  • University Ready: We help you bridge the gap between high school, community college, and a four-year university.
  • You Belong Here: ACE focuses on supporting first-generation college students, but we welcome any student ready to challenge themselves and explore higher education.

How it Works

You’ll take college courses during your junior and senior years while still attending your regular high school.

  • Summer Term: Two College Classes in Summer (June–July).
  • Fall & Spring: One College Class on Saturdays for Fall and Spring terms (August–May).

Ready to start? Applications open every October!

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How ACE Supports Students Like You

  • Understand college and what it takes to succeed.
  • Connect with campus life and resources.
  • Explore your interests and set goals for the future.
  • Get support to stay on track academically and personally.
  • Take college courses early to save money on future tuition.
  • Find scholarships and financial aid opportunities.
  • Involve your family in your college journey.
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Who Should Apply?

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 being a teen parent

Disclaimer: 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.

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Application Process

  • October through December
    • During the first half of your sophomore year, look for SCC ACE staff at your school! We’ll be handing out applications and everything you need to know to get started.
  • February through March
    • Every applicant will receive a notification letting them know if they’ve been accepted into the ACE Program. If you're accepted, you’ll receive a scholarship offer!
  • April
    • Both students and parents must attend our required kickoff events. You’ll meet your new cohort at the Student Orientation, while your family learns how to support you at the Family Orientation. You will also complete EdReady Placement Testing to ensure you are placed in the right college classes.

Program Contact

  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: (480) 423-6271
  • Location: Student Center (SC) Building, next to the Welcome Center

Office Hours

  • Fall & Spring Regular Hours
    • Monday - Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    • Friday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
    • Saturday - Sunday: Closed
  • Summer Hours
    • Monday - Wednesday: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
    • Thursday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
    • Friday - Sunday: Closed

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

Tuition and fees are free for ACE program students. Students must purchase required textbooks and provide their own transportation to and from the campus.

Any high school sophomore who attends a Maricopa County high school may apply. The application period varies but opens in October each year. Because the program lasts 2 years, only sophomores may apply. Selection may be competitive.

Disclaimer: 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.

  1. Submit a complete application packet online or on paper, 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
  1. Your completed application will be evaluated based on the selection criteria.
  2. You will be notified of the status of your application by March of your sophomore year.
  3. If you are accepted into the ACE program, you will receive the ACE Program scholarship. Accepted students must attend the ACE Family (Student/Parent) Orientation, the New Student Orientation, and the Summer Kick-Off event.

If you applied and are on our wait list, you can choose to be in the program as a Self-Pay student. The student will participate in the ACE program and receive all the benefits of being in ACE without receiving the ACE Scholarship. The students will still be responsible for participating in all ACE Institute activities (study lab, tutoring and workshops).

If you are selected to participate in the ACE program, you will attend college classes year-round.

ACE students take two classes during the summer and one class on Saturday during the Fall and Spring semesters. Students must start the program the first summer upon acceptance. Your ACE scholarship ends upon your graduation from high school.

Classes will be in-person unless otherwise stated.

All classes taken in the ACE program are General Education Courses that all college students take. For example, English, Humanities, Social & Behavioral, Communications, Mathematics, Physical Science courses.

Your ACE Program Coordinator (similar to an Academic Counselor) will help you choose your classes.

Yes! Success in the ACE Program starts with showing up. Per college policy, you must attend the first day of class to keep your spot. Because these are real college courses, SCC ACE only allows a maximum of two excused absences.

If you have to miss a class, it is your responsibility to notify both your instructor and the ACE Office immediately. Staying on top of your attendance protects your scholarship and keeps you on track for graduation!

YES! Because these are real college courses taught by real college instructors, you should expect a college-level workload. This means there will be regular assignments, projects, and exams just like any other college student.

The good news? You’ve got this. You can be successful as long as you:

  • Show up: Attendance is the #1 predictor of success.
  • Get involved: Pay attention, participate in class, and don't be afraid to ask questions.
  • Use your resources: SCC offers amazing support services.

We want you to thrive, not just survive! As an ACE student, you have access to these free SCC student services:

  • Free Tutoring: Stuck on a math problem or need an extra set of eyes on an English essay? Visit the Tutoring and Learning Centers for free in-person and online help.
  • Career Counseling: Not sure what you want to be when you "grow up"? Meet with a Career Counselor to explore your interests, strengths, and potential college majors.
  • The SCC Library: More than just books! The Library is a great place to study, and you can even get 24/7 virtual help from a librarian if you're working on a late-night research project.
  • Personal Development: SCC offers Counseling Services that provide workshops on time management, stress reduction, and goal setting—skills every successful college student needs.

Credit hours from all 100-level college courses or above can be used towards completing an Associate Degree at Maricopa Community Colleges. The credits earned are also transferable to any accredited college or university. If you are planning to attend a college/university outside of the state, it is recommended that you check with them on how many credits they will accept.

Dual Enrollment: Earn college and high school credits at the exact same time! It’s a great way for juniors and seniors to jumpstart their college journey right from their own high school classroom. Visit the Dual Enrollment website.

Hoop of Learning: A sister program to ACE, designed specifically to empower American Indian students. We provide the support you need to finish high school strong and transition smoothly into college. Visit the Hoop of Learning website.

Think of a "credit hour" as a way to measure your time in class. Generally: 1 Credit Hour = 1 hour of class time per week plus 2 hours of homework/study time.

Most ACE courses are 3 credits, meaning you’ll be in class for about 3 hours a week and spend an additional 6 hours on homework/studying. Check out how those hours add up to big savings:

  • Standard Course: 3 Credit Hours
  • Full Program: Up to 8 courses over two years
  • The Total: 3 x 8 = 24 College Credits
  • The Result: You graduate from high school with nearly a full year of college completed for free. That’s 24 credits you won't have to pay for or take later!

YES! In fact, doing both is a "power move" for your education. By combining ACE and Dual Enrollment, you can earn college credits even faster. This puts you on a quick path toward completing a degree or certificate at Scottsdale Community College or any of the Maricopa Community Colleges.

Pro-Tip: We highly encourage you to chat with your high school counselor. They can help you:

  • See which Dual Enrollment classes are available at your school.
  • Balance your ACE classes with your high school schedule.
  • Make sure you’re staying on top of your personal commitments while crushing your college goals!

Visit our degrees and certificates website.

Whether you’re curious about the application or need help with your current classes, the ACE team is ready to support you.

  • Email Us: [email protected] (Best for general questions)
  • Call Our Office: (480) 423-6271 (Best for immediate help during office hours)
  • Visit Us: Stop by the SCC campus! We are located in the Student Center Building, next to the Welcome Center.
I have been fortunate to take advantage of the opportunity SCC has provided me. The ACE program has allowed me to get ahead in my education by earning college credits while still being a full-time high school student. These credits were important for my college applications and ultimately led to acceptances. I have had an amazing experience as an ACE student at SCC!
Akira M.
Class of 2026
My experience at SCC was wonderful with so many new people and support from the teachers. I greatly appreciate Ms. Rosa and Demetria for their support throughout the program. I got to experience a college campus while in high school, which I feel gives me a bit of an advantage over my fellow graduating peers. Thanks to my time in the ACE program, I feel prepared and confident in my abilities to complete a college career and pursue a higher education.
Fatima A.
Class of 2026
The ACE program has granted me the opportunity to open new doors, get the college experience, and meet new professors and students. I am grateful to have been selected for the program as it has allowed me to grow as a person. I hope it will continue to help other students achieve their goals or explore their interests.
Kassi G
Class of 2026