ACE Program

Achieving a College EducationThe Achieving a College Education (ACE) scholarship empowers high schoolers to go beyond their comfort zone. You will develop skills to attend college and plan a rewarding future, while still maintaining your high school classes. Our advisement team will help create a smooth transition from high school, through community college and on to a university to earn your bachelor’s degree.

ACE is an early college two-year scholarship preparation program designed to help first-generation, financially disadvantaged college-bound students succeed.

Class Dates for Summer, Spring, and Fall
Summer classes begin in May and are held on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Class days will change throughout the fall and spring semesters.

Resources for Students & Families
Throughout the program, ACE students and their families attend an orientation as well as activities and events such as financial assistance workshops to stay educated and connected. ACE students enrolled at PVCC are considered to be college students, with all of the rights, duties, privileges, and benefits.

  • Familiarize students with college life.
  • Provide tools for students to succeed socially, academically, and personally.
  • Assist students in identifying educational, career, and vocational goals and interests.
  • Identify sources of financial assistance and scholarships and facilitate students in the application process.
  • Empower parents/guardians to become actively involved in students' education and future.
  • Provide continuous follow-up and support to each cohort which will ensure retention and tracking.

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 is a teen parent

Applications will also be evaluated based on the following: recommender responses and student essay, etc.

At the college's discretion, student interviews may be conducted as part of the application process.

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 or apply online, 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
  2. If you are accepted into the ACE program, you will receive a scholarship offer to attend the ACE program for your junior and senior year, as well as the ACE Student/Parent Orientation.

    Applications are available in the high school counseling offices or at the PVCC Student Development Office.

    Students must apply during their sophomore year in high school.

    Student applications are due to high school counselors by December 15th.

Reminder: Don't forget to update ACE if you have a new e-mail or cell phone or if you move. We want to keep you in the ACE loop.

*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.

ACE Schedule

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