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For Students and Parents

Do you want to go to college? Are you a student in Montgomery County who is interested in getting a bachelor’s degree? Or, are you a parent who needs help navigating the college application process?

If yes, ACES is the program for you. ACES provides the supports necessary for students to successfully navigate the college process. Once accepted into the program, ACES provides one on one academic coaching to help you create an academic plan specific to your needs. ACES provides workshops geared toward academic and personal growth. The program helps students identify scholarships and complete the financial aid process. Academic coaches and coordinators support students from high school, to college, and into a career.

Read more about our program or learn more about our scholars.

High school students apply during the fall of their sophomore year. The application period is open from September to early December. There is no cost to apply or take part in the program.

If you have questions about the application process, contact the ACES coordinator at your high school.

In what Montgomery County Public Schools does ACES operate?

  • Montgomery Blair High School
  • James Hubert Blake High School
  • Clarksburg High School
  • Albert Einstein High School
  • Gaithersburg High School
  • John F. Kennedy High School
  • Colonel Zadok A. Magruder High School
  • Northwood High School
  • Paint Branch High School
  • Rockville High School
  • Seneca Valley High School
  • Springbrook High School
  • Watkins Mill High School
  • Wheaton High School

We invest in student’s personal and academic success. It is free to apply and participate in ACES. But, college tuition still applies.

If you’re worried about college tuition, talk to one of our ACES coordinator or coaches. We may be able to find ways to help.

  • Assistance in applying to college
  • College and career readiness support throughout high school and college
  • Receiving a bachelor’s degree
  • Developing meaningful relationships with coaches, coordinators, and other students
  • Access to resources for parents and caregivers of ACES students

Throughout the pathway, there are opportunities for parents and family members to be involved with the ACES program. The program offers parent workshops, volunteer opportunities at events and at the individual schools, and referrals to community resources and services. To learn more, contact the ACES Coordinator at your school/campus.

For Supporters and Donors:

Our three institutions (Montgomery County Public Schools, Montgomery College, and the Universities at Shady Grove) along with the Montgomery County Council provide the foundation of support for ACES. We believe an investment in our students is an investment in our community’s collective future.

But, we rely heavily on the generous support of private donors and corporations. These donations help fulfill student’s critical needs and provide meaningful connections to the local community.

Learn more about supporting our students.

ACES serves approximately 2,700 students each year throughout the pathway (MCPS, MC, and USG).

An investment in ACES supports the entire pathway for a student. Whether funding scholarships, providing career readiness programming, offsetting internship costs, or supporting during family emergencies, donations ensure that our students are able excel both inside and outside the classroom.

The three institutions work closely together to manage the program, staff, and student expenses. ACES’ collective impact structure is a model for our region, and our country.

ACES had its first graduating class in Spring 2018. More than 91% of the students who graduated are still working in Montgomery County. We expect many of our students to remain living and working in Montgomery County.

Consider offering internships or full-time jobs to ACES students, volunteering to help mentor students, or helping expand our career readiness programming. Contact us to learn more about partnering.

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