Accelerate Your Future with the ACE Program!
The Accelerated College Education (ACE) program at the Natomas Center puts you on the fast track toward a Bachelor's degree!
ACE is designed for working adults who wish to complete 46 units of general education transfer and Associate degree requirements. The program is made up of a pre-planned set of classes. Students enroll in two short-term classes every eight weeks during the semester, for a total of 10-12 units each semester. Each week, students attend classes one weeknight and on Saturday at the Natomas Center. No classes are scheduled in the summer.
ACE is a cohort program that allows you to complete a two-year set of courses as a unified group of students. As a cohort you have the opportunity to collaborate and learn from your fellow students over the course of your study. The cohort model fosters long-lasting relationships that can extend beyond the classroom.
Have a quick question about the ACE program or your ACE classes at Natomas?
Talk to a real person at the ARC Natomas Call Center, (916) 485-6000.
- Monday - Thursday
8:00 am - 7:00 pm - Friday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
The Natomas Center is located at 2421 Del Paso Road, Sacramento, CA 95835.
Frequently Asked ACE Program Questions
ACE provides a convenient schedule for working students or other busy adults learners. ACE allows students the opportunity to complete general education and associate degree classes at a much quicker pace.
- Continue working while you complete your educational goals
- Prepare to transfer to a university
- By completing the ACE Program you can qualify for the CSU General Education Certificate or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer (IGETC) Certificate
Absolutely. You will need to make a counseling appointment to review your course work.
For more information on placements, visit the ARC Assessment Center website.
While we encourage students to take the package of courses together, under some circumstances a student might be able to take only one of the courses offered in the 8 week session. You should consult with the coordinator of the program to determine if this is a possibility.
No, the classes and units earned through the ACE Program are treated exactly the same as any other course and become part of your permanent record. ACE classes can be applied toward degree applicable programs. Students would need to speak to a counselor to determine degree eligibility.
ACE Courses offered for Spring 2023
Saturday, January 14th - Wednesday, March 8th
New Cohort
- HCD 310: Hybrid; Sat. 8:30 - 11:30am
- ANTH 310: Hybrid; Sat. 12:40 - 3:45pm
Continuing Cohorts
- ANTH 300: ONLINE (Updated)
- ANTH 301: Hybrid; Sat. 12:40 - 3:45pm
- POLS 301: Hybrid; Sat. 8:30 - 11:35am
- HUM 355: Hybrid; Sat. 12:40 - 3:45pm
Saturday, March 18th - Saturday, May 13th
New Cohort
- TAFILM 300: ONLINE
- HIST 323: ONLINE
Continuing Cohorts
- COMM 301: Hybrid; Wed. 6:00 - 9:05PM
- MUFHL 300: ONLINE
- PSYC 300: Hybrid; Sat. 8:00 - 11:35am
- HIST 308: Hybrid; Sat. 12:40 - 3:45pm
UPCOMING ACE INFORMATION SESSION

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.