Rio Salado College recently hosted a special ceremony in conjunction with the college’s two Achieving a College Education (ACE) programs— High School ACE and Adult ACE— to celebrate more than 50 completers, 38 of whom completed the Adult ACE program.
The event, held at the Rio Salado Conference Center, welcomed families, friends and guests, and featured inspiring remarks from President Kate Smith, as well as a powerful speeches from Shimar Russell, a completer of the Adult ACE program; and Ash Lopez-Villa, a completer of the High School ACE program.
Smith shared one of her favorite quotes with those in attendance, written by National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman: “For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.”
“This is an amazing group of high school and adult learners, who achieved a dream that will benefit them and their families for years to come,” Smith said. “They are the light in our communities and will continue to shine. I look forward to hearing about their many future successes”
‘Perserverance, Growth and Determination’
Russell shared her journey from enrolling in adult education classes at Rio Salado College’s Surprise location to joining the Medical Administrative Assisting program— a collaborative career training effort between Rio Salado and Phoenix College.
“Perseverance, growth and determination - without these values, we wouldn’t have een able to achieve our goals,” she told the audience. “These principles have shaved me into the person I am today and I am deeply grateful for the challenges that helped me grow.”
She reflected on her previous attempt to complete ACE in high school and how meaningful it feels to now finish the program as an adult, having earned more than 67 credits in the Maricopa County Community College District. She plans to complete her associate degree in Medical Assisting at Phoenix College within the next four months.
Heritage Academy Graduate Ready for ASU Neuroscience Program
Lopez-Villa was one of the high school seniors recognized during the ceremony. Together, Smith said, they earned 360 college credits and 11 degrees.
Lopez-Villa completed two degrees with the help of the ACE program - associate of arts and associate of general studies - by taking additional courses through dual enrollment.
“Getting this opportunity really helped me financially,” she said. “It was always my dream to go to ASU, but everyone knows just how expensive ASU classes are. But due to Rio Salado and its ACE scholarship, many of the classes I took online can transfer over to ASU. I don’t have to pay for those expenses classes anymore! ACE has really helped me start my path of completing a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience.”
Accolades and Next Steps
The celebration was made possible thanks to the dedicated support of the Café at Rio and Conference Center teams, whose efforts helped create a welcoming and festive atmosphere. Attendees honored the determination and achievements of each student while encouraging completers to explore next steps in their educational journeys. Adult ACE students are now eligible to apply for the ACE Distinguished Transitions Scholarship and other funding opportunities available throughout the district, further supporting their path toward degrees, credentials, and career advancement.
Rio Salado High School ACE
ACE stands for Achieving a College Education. Youth ACE participants are recruited in their sophomore year of high school. Students take online college courses while in their junior and senior years, allowing them to earn up to 24 college credits.
While simultaneously attending Rio Salado College and high school, students in the program become a member of a cohort, giving them an opportunity to socialize with their peers, be a part of an eLearning community and attend workshops that are only open to ACE participants.
Rio Salado Adult ACE
The Adult ACE program is part of Rio’s award-winning and nationally recognized Adult Education program. It is a two-year early college program for adult students who demonstrate financial need and have an interest in earning an associate or bachelor’s degree. The program provides funding for up to 25 college credits and offers academic guidance throughout the student’s journey.
Interested in the Adult ACE program and how it can help you reach your educational goals? Visit: Rio Salado College Adult ACE
Interested in the High ACE program? Students can begin their sophomore year. Visit: Rio Salado College High School ACE
Rio Salado College Adult Education
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