How To Apply

ACES Program Application

ACES offers a personalized, seamless educational pathway from high school to college completion. Our goal is to prepare high school students for learning and life.

Admission Criteria to ACES | What You Need To Know

As a qualifying 10th grader (expected to graduate with the Class of 2026), you will receive:

• Individual coaching

• Preparation for college entrance exams

• College and financial aid application support

• Leadership development opportunities

• Career readiness training and skills

• Student success workshops

ACES is a free program and seeks to serve students who are:

• • • Historically underrepresented in higher education

    • The first in their family to graduate from a college or university in the United States

    • Identified as having differing abilities

    • From a single parent household

    • From a low income household

    • English language learners

Important things to remember:

• • • The application deadline for the Class of 2026 is January 12, 2024. Only current sophomores/10th graders are able to apply to join ACES.

    • Your application will not be reviewed until a completed Application Consent Form is submitted to your high school's ACES Coordinator. You may find a copy of that form by clicking on this link: https://www.acesmontgomery.org/apply/. The Program Consent Form is available in 7 languages, including English, Spanish, Amharic, Chinese, French, Korean, and Vietnamese.

    • Students are not guaranteed placement into ACES simply by applying. Their application is reviewed by a committee of dedicated ACES staff members, as limited spaces are available to join.

    • If accepted to ACES, participants must apply to Montgomery College (MC) to receive access to MC resources while in high school.  Montgomery College resources are required to fully participate in the ACES program.  All ACES Scholars will be required to complete a Montgomery College (MC) application, but are not obligated to attend MC upon graduation from high school. Instructions for completing the MC application will be provided after a student is accepted to the program.

    • ACES partners with 14 high schools across Montgomery County. Participating ACES high schools and ACES Student Success Coordinator contact information may be found here.

    • Still need clarification on ACES? Check out our FAQ page here.

For any additional questions, you may contact Mr. Pineda by email at cristian.a.pineda@mcpsmd.net or by cell phone at (240) 676-0513.