The Maricopa Achieving a College Education (ACE) Program is a collaboration of area universities, high schools, "at risk" students, and their parents. According to a study sponsored by the Ford Foundation in 1999, nine essential elements make the ACE program a success with students and parents:
- the creation of student cohort groups,
- a focus on at-risk students,
- high academic standards,
- a non-threatening environment
- continuous contact with students,
- family involvement,
- strong collaboration between institutions,
- long overlap of transition points, and
- scholarships and financial aid information.
The ACE cycle takes two years and integrates the nine essential elements.
During the summer between sophomore and junior year, a student takes college classes totaling six credit hours. During the fall and spring semesters a student takes one Saturday class totaling three credit hours. The cycle repeats again starting the summer between the junior and senior year of high school. Students participate in the program as a cohort. Students and their families participate in an orientation and a series of ongoing activities and events, such as financial aid and career workshops, designed to keep them informed and connected throughout the two years.
Institution:
Maricopa County Community College District
Academic Level:
Community College
Issue Area:
Academic Program
Year:
2006
Designation:
Examples of Excelencia
Designation:
Honoree
Key Personnel:
Torres, Stella
Address:
Maricopa ACE Programs
Address 2:
2411 W. 14th Street
City:
Tempe
State:
AZ
Zip:
85281 Goal/Mission:
ACE's three goals are 1) to increase the number of students graduating from high school, 2) to increase the number of students continuing on to college, and 3) to increase the number of students earning a degree or certificate.
Outcome:
From its inception almost 20 years ago through 2005, ACE has served 6,133 students. As of 2002, 88-96% of participants have graduated from high school, and 83% of ACE graduates enrolled in college. ACE graduates also outperform the general college student population. The average ACE college grade point average (GPA) is 3.1 while the general student population average GPA is 2.81. In addition, 344 ACE students have earned one or more certificates or degrees to date – 124 certificates, 165 Associate degrees, 151 Bachelor degrees, 2 Masters degrees, and 1 professional degree.
Notes:
General Program Phone Number: (480) 731-8000
| Attachment | Size |
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| Examples06AssociateFINAL.pdf | 54.35 KB |
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