Early College Programs

PVCC Early College Programs is excited to extend this opportunity to high school students. Student can begin their college career to earn college credits and obtain specialized support services. Completing courses in our programs can help students earn an AGEC certificate completion or begin academic pathways for an Associate's degree. PVCC is dedicated to providing high-quality education and support services to help students achieve their full potential.

ACE (Achieving a College Education) Program

What is ACE?

The ACE Scholarship Program is designed to help high school students step out of their comfort zones and achieve more. With ACE, you'll gain valuable skills that will help you succeed in college and plan for an exciting future, all while balancing your high school classes. PVCC expert advisors will guide you through the entire academic journey, from transitioning out of high school to attending community college and ultimately earning your bachelor's degree at a university.

For more information, visit PVCC ACE Program website (click here).

Sample ACE Courses

• FYE 103: Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success (3 credits)

• COM 110: Interpersonal Communication (3 credits)

• CIS 105: Survey of Computer Information Systems (3 credits)

• MHL 155: Survey of American Music (3 credits)

• ENG 101/102: First-Year Composition (3-6 credits)

• And more!

Eligibility

Student applicants must apply in the fall semester of their 10th grade year. 

To qualify, student applicants must fulfill at least one of the following criteria:

• Be the first member of their family to attend college

• Demonstrate financial need 

• Be part of an underrepresented population or be an English Language Learner 

• Have experienced environmental risk factors (these will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis; examples include being raised in foster care or being a teen parent)

Application Process

Application packets are available in Mrs. Allison's Office (College Career Specialist). To be considered for the program, high school sophomores must apply before the deadline, Friday December 15, 2023. The application packet should be submitted to Mrs. Allison. Or, Students can apply online, click on the "yellow" button below.

Hoop of Learning Program

What is Hoop of Learning?

Administered by the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD), the Hoop of Learning (HOL) Scholarship Program seeks to create a bridge program between early high school and college. The HOL’s primary aim is to empower Native American-Indigenous students and create an environment that encourages and enables them to complete high school and transition successfully to higher education.

For more information, visit PVCC Hoop of Learning website (click here).

Sample Hoop of Learning Courses

• FYE 103: Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success (3 credits)

• COM 110: Interpersonal Communication (3 credits)

• CIS 105: Survey of Computer Information Systems (3 credits)

• MHL 155: Survey of American Music (3 credits)

• ENG 101/102: First-Year Composition (3-6 credits)

• And more!

Eligibility

To qualify, student applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be an enrolled member of a federal/state recognized tribal nation (or in the process of obtaining a tribal enrollment number)

• Have a minimum 2.00 GPA in High School

• Be actively enrolled in high school and on track to graduate on time.

• Student & Parent(s) must attend mandatory orientation.

• Applicants can apply in the fall semester of their 9th, 10th or 11th grade year.

Application Process

Application packets are available in College/Career office, or use button below. 

Puma Early College Program

What is Puma Early College?

The Puma Early College Program is designed for any high school student who is highly motivated, maintains good academic and attendance records, and intends to get ahead in their college education. By participating in this two-year program, students can complete up to 35 college credits of lower division general education coursework while still in high school.

This allows them to bypass repeating these classes and potentially enter the university as a sophomore. And if a student chooses to continue with the program beyond high school, they can obtain their Associate's Degree (up to 64 college credits) and enroll directly into their specific major as a junior (assuming all other requirements are met). It is essential to know that while this program does not offer a scholarship, tuition assistance is available through the Maricopa Grant, and students are responsible for paying the tuition cost per credit.

For more information, visit PVCC Puma Early College website (click here).

Sample Puma Early College Courses

• FYE 103: Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success (3 credits)

• COM 110: Interpersonal Communication (3 credits)

• ENG 101/102: First-Year Composition (3-6 credits)

• PSY 101: Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)

• Natural Science Lecture & Lab [i.e. AST 111, BIO 160, CHM 130, PHY 112, etc.) (4 credits)

• MAT 150/151: College Alegbra Functions (4-5 credits)

• And more!

Major Benefits

• Obtain 35+ college credits while saving money and time while still enrolled in high school.

• Completed college classes  with a C or better to transfer to any of Arizona’s three state universities (ASU, NAU, UoA) or earning an AGEC completion certificate!

• Attend Horizon classes until the end of 4th period and then attend PVCC at 12:30 PM from Monday through Thursday, no Friday classes.

• Transportation to and from PVCC is the student's and parent's responsibility. Free parking is available on PVCC campus!

• Access free student resources around PVCC campus, i.e. printing, tutoring, laptop checkout, career services, etc.

Application Process

Application packets are available in college/career office. Or, Students can apply online, click on the "yellow" button below.

Start Sooner (General Concurrent Enrollment)

What is Start Sooner?

Start Sooner is a chance to earn college credits that will meet your high school graduation requirements and getting a head start in college! It also permits you to attain college credits at a significantly affordable rate ($97 per credit unit) compared to universities. Additionally, it offers flexibility in course selection, with the option to select synchronous online, asynchronous online or in-person classes.

Start Sooner at Paradise Valley Community College is broken down into five steps:

Step 1: Get Admitted to PVCC

Students will complete the online Maricopa student admissions application to create Maricopa account, and then submit identity authentication, reviewing testing requirements and submitting the Financial Responsibility/Consent Form. It is recommended to write down your official student ID, MEID number, and Maricopa Email Address at the end of the online admission application.

Step 2: Enroll in DUO Mobile, Two-Factor Authentication "Stay Connected. Stay Protected."

Duo is Maricopa Community Colleges’ two-factor authentication service providing an extra layer of security to protect against hackers, cyber threats, and any unauthorized access to sensitive data.  All students are required to use Duo two-factor authentication when logging into password-protected applications. This includes the Student Center, Canvas, student email, and the Google Suite. Signing up is only 3 steps and takes just a few moments.

Check your email inbox (the email address you entered for admissions) for enrollment instructions from Duo Security (no-reply@duosecurity.com). The email will include easy, 3-step instructions, which can also be found on the MCCCD Duo page.

Step 3: Determine Course Placement

Students will determine, depending on current high school grade level and including dual enrollment courses, which course placement step you will want to complete: EdReady placement test, upload high school transcript (highly recommended) or submit state test scores. (If you have any questions about placement testing contact Ms. Shepherd)

Step 4: Complete and Submit Under 18 Forms

As part of the admissions process, and prior to enrolling in courses, all students under the age of 18 must have consent from a parent/guardian as proof of financial responsibility and consent for approval of text messaging and automated communication. Students in Start Sooner and taking college courses while in high school (concurrently enrolled), must complete the following forms

• Parent/Guardian Responsibility and Consent for Students Under Age of 18 (click here)*

• Request for Admission/Enrollment (click here)*

*Scan and submit these documents to PVCCinfo@paradisevalley.edu [PVCC Admission and Records Office] at your earliest convenience.

Step 5: Register for Classes

Students can register in classes once all documents and forms have been processed. Please contact to the Early College Programs Office to schedule an appointment to register for a class. Note: Students under the age of 18 are not eligible to self-enroll in any courses. 

Step 6: Pay Tuition

After registering for classes, students will need to pay tuition. There are many payment methods or set up a payment plan. Tuition is due upon register.

If you have any questions regarding Start Sooner, please reach out to PVCC Early College Programs at 602-787-7170 or email  to earlycollege@paradisevalley.edu.

See What It’s Like to Attend a Maricopa Community College