Achieving Collegiate Excellence and Success (ACES) Pathway

A first-of-its-kind partnership among Montgomery County Public Schools, Montgomery College, and the Universities at Shady Grove. ACES provides individualized coaching, scholarship opportunities, and career readiness programming for students who have been historically underrepresented in higher education, improving their ability to thrive in college and into a career. Each year, more than 2,500 students participate in ACES across all three institutions.

Guiding students on a path to success.

High School Diploma
Students in 10th grade apply to ACES at 1 of 14 participating Montgomery County Public Schools and receive ongoing individualized coaching, college application and financial aid assistance, as well as college preparation and transition support throughout their ACES pathway.

Associate’s Degree
While pursuing their associate’s degree at Montgomery College (MC), students continue to benefit from a range of valuable individualized supports, including transfer guidance, meaningful career exploration opportunities, development of career competencies, and assistance to obtain scholarships and financial aid.

Bachelor’s Degree
After completing their associates, or a minimum of 60 credits, students are eligible to transfer to a program at the Universities at Shady Grove (USG). When enrolled at one of the 40+ undergraduate programs offered at USG, ACES students continue to receive individual leadership development, career readiness programming, internship guidance, and networking opportunities.