Why ACE?

"My experience with ARC and the ACE program has been amazing." Heather Davis Alumni / Major / Social Sciences / American River College

My experience with ARC and the Accelerated College Education (ACE) program has been amazing. I was 40 years old and working as an administrative assistant for a local hospital. It was a good job and it paid the bills, but I wanted more for myself and my family. I decided to go back to school with the hopes of starting a new career. I did not have the option of going to school during the day, so I needed something that allowed me to work full time while I completed classes. I found the ACE program and it immediately caught my attention due to the accelerated pace and the fact that all classes were laid out in a pattern with an end goal of transferring to a 4-year institution.

The ACE program was a savior because the schedule allowed me to work and support my family while taking classes. The fact that I did not need to compete for a seat in classes or figure out what classes met which requirements on my own was invaluable. ACE Coordinator Megan Bevens was always available by phone, email, or in person to walk me through the next steps and guide me through the transfer process. She made it so easy and I can't thank her enough. I attended the first orientation and was very impressed with Megan and the rest of the program and staff. I signed up for the first 8 weeks of classes in the Fall of 2015 and almost immediately the cohort bonded and felt like old friends. We met before classes and sometimes after class to complete assignments or help each other study. It was that feeling of fellowship among peers that motivated me to stay connected with classes. One of the first classes I took was HCD 310, College Success, taught by Professor Jennie Econome. I feel that class was key to preparing me for what to expect in higher education. Honestly, I wish that class had been offered in High School because I think I would have been more successful in college at an earlier age.

I transferred to Sac State, majoring in Social Work in the Spring of 2018. The momentum from my success at ARC carried over and I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor's of Social Work in the Summer of 2019. I applied and was accepted into the MSW program and the Title IV-E program, starting in the Fall of 2019.

I just completed the MSW program this Spring. Because of my Title IV-E stipend, I am required to work for a county in California for at least two years to fulfill my payback obligation. I applied to several counties with the hopes of relocating back to the bay area. I recently accepted a position with San Mateo County as a Social Worker in Child Protective Services. The starting pay is more than double what I ever made before going back to school. I can actually afford to live in the Bay Area quite comfortably.

I never in a million years thought I would be starting a new career at my age, but I am so excited for this next chapter. I really do credit the ACE program, Megan, Professor Econome, and the rest of the staff at the Natomas Center for helping me realize my potential and directing me on a path to success.