Welcome! We're excited to have you as a GateWay Gecko student
ACE is an early college two-year scholarship preparation program designed to help first-generation, financially disadvantaged, college-bound students succeed.
The mission of the ACE Program is to academically prepare students, increase graduation rates among first generation college bound students, and to assist students in making a seamless transition from high school into community college and then to transfer into a four-year university to complete a baccalaureate degree.
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Program Applicant Requirements
Who Should Apply?
The ACE Next GEN 3-Year Program is designed for high school freshmen who are interested in getting a head start on college while receiving support throughout their high school and college journey.
Students are encouraged to apply if they meet the following criteria:
- Currently a high school freshman
- Have a preferred GPA of 2.0 or higher
- Are first-generation college students
- Experience financial need or other special circumstances that may benefit from additional educational support
Applications will also be evaluated based on the student’s essay, recommender responses, and overall application.
At the college’s discretion, student interviews may be conducted as part of the application process.
This program is open to all eligible students. Applicants are encouraged to apply regardless of race, color, national origin, or other protected status.
The Benefits of Being an ACE Next GEN Student
- Earn college credits early while completing your high school education.
- Explore your future through academic pathways, career exploration, and college preparation.
- Receive personalized support through one-on-one advising, goal-setting, and academic progress meetings.
- Build connections with a supportive cohort of students, faculty, and college staff.
- Participate in enriching experiences, including workshops, cultural events, guest speakers, and field trips.
- Experience college life and access resources such as tutoring, counseling, the library, and computer labs.
ACE Next GEN Participants May Also Receive
- Tuition assistance through the ACE scholarship, with the opportunity to earn up to 38 transferable college credits.
- Bus passes to help with transportation.
- Academic and college transition support throughout the three-year program.
ACE Next GEN is a three-year commitment that begins the summer before sophomore year and continues through high school graduation, helping students prepare for a successful transition to college.
Application Steps
- Complete and submit an online application.
What is needed for the application:-
Two complete recommendations (full name and email address)
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Personal essay (300 words)
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College Student Information Release form
- Unofficial high school transcripts
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- Your completed application will be evaluated per the selection criteria listed above.
- You will be notified by letter of the status of your application by February of your sophomore year.
- Students who are accepted into the ACE program, you will receive a scholarship offer to attend the GateWay ACE program their junior and senior year.
- You will be required to attend a mandatory New ACE Student/Parent Orientation.
Link: ACE Next Gen Application
Student Resources
Program Contact Information
ACE Office Location
GateWay Community College - Washington Campus
Main Building, Room MA1300
108 North 40th Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85034
Phone: (602) 286-8195
Email: [email protected]
Hours of Operation
Fall and Spring Semester
Tuesday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sunday & Monday: Closed
Summer Semester
Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday – Sunday: Closed