The ACE (Achieving a College Education) Program, began in the summer of 1988, targeting high school students who may consider earning a college degree as an unattainable goal. This program is designed to help create a smooth transition process from high school to college.
We serve a total of 120 students in four career paths each year. High school sophomores are recruited annually, between August through December, from Phoenix and Tempe Union High School Districts and Charter Schools.
Need assistance? We are here to help.
*Chat function unavailable for ACE questions.
Program Applicant Requirements
High school sophomores who have taken at least 6 high school credits at the time of the application submission and who meet one or more of the following criteria:
- First generation to attend college
- Single parent home
- Underrepresented group
- Economic hardship
- Environmental factors, e.g.,
- Works 10–30 hours weekly
- Foster care
- Lives in temporary housing
- Teen parent
- Legacy-sibling or relative of an ACE participant
Application Steps
Application Process
1. Complete and submit an online application
You will need:
-
Unofficial copy of your high school transcript (will need to upload)
-
Two (2) recommender email addresses
2. Your completed application will be evaluated per the selection criteria listed above
3. You will be notified by letter on the status of your application by February of your sophomore year.
4. If you are accepted into the ACE program, you will receive a scholarship offer to attend the GateWay ACE program for your junior and senior year.
5. You will be required to attend a New ACE Student/Parent Orientation
6. Application deadline: Tuesday, December 14, 2021
Additional Information
Class Days
Fall and Spring Semester: Every Saturday
Summer Semester: Monday – Thursday
Participating High Schools*
- Camelback High School
- Central High School
- Carl Hayden High School
- Metro Tech High School
- Cesar Chavez High School
- GateWay Early College High School
- Academies at South Mountain
- Mountain Pointe High School
- Tempe High School
*List represents only a partial number of high schools where we recruit.
Pathways/ACE Tracks*
The following lists include just some examples of classes you will take during your participation in each of the specified career pathways.
- Business/Entrepreneurial/Management
- Health
- S.T.E.M.
- Art/Visual Arts/Performance
* Please Note: Classes offered are subject to change based on student enrollment and class availability.
Program Location and Contact Information
ACE Office Location
Main Building, Room MA1372(B)
GateWay Community College
Washington Campus
108 North 40th Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85034
Hours of Operation
Fall and Spring Semester
Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
Summer Semester
Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday – Sunday: Closed