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 to 6:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
The Natomas Center is located at 2421 Del Paso Road, Sacramento, CA 95835.
Frequently Asked ACE Program Questions
ACE Advantages
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
I have already completed some of the courses offered by ACE. Can I still participate in this program?
Absolutely. You will need to make a counseling appointment to review your course work.
How do I find out my English and math placements?
For more information on placements, visit the ARC Assessment Center website.
Fall Start Course Pattern
Refer to the calendar in the schedule or the course syllabi for exact dates. There is a PDF document showing the fall course pattern.
First Year
August - October
HCD 310 (3 Units) and ANTH 310 (3 Units)
October - December
TAFILM 300 (3 UNITS) and HIST 330 (3 UNITS)
Winter Break
January - March
POLS 301 (3 UNITS) and HUM 355 (3 UNITS)
Break - 1 week
March - May
PSYC 300 (3 UNITS) and HIST 308 (3 UNITS)
Summer Break
Second Year
August - October
ENGWR 300/94* (3 UNITS/2 UNITS) and ASTR 300 (3 UNITS)
October - December
ENGWR 302* (3 UNITS) and PSYC 330* (3 UNITS)
Winter Break
January - March
ANTH 300 (3 UNITS) and ANTH 301 (1 UNIT)
Break - 1 week
March - May
SPEECH 301 (3 UNITS) and MUFHL 300 (3 UNITS)
Summer Break
This program meets the requirements for the CSU General Education or Intersegmental General Education Transfer (IGETC) Certificates. This course pattern does not meet all requirements for graduation.
46 Units in the ACE program
14 Additional units needed for an AA/AS degree**
60 Total Units
* Prerequisite must be completed prior to enrolling in this course.
** See a counselor for additional requirements for an AA/AS degree and graduation requirements.
Spring Start Course Pattern
Refer to the calendar in the schedule or the course syllabi for exact dates. There is a PDF document showing the course pattern.
First Year
January - March
HCD 310 (3 UNITS) and ANTH 310 (3 UNITS)
Break - 1 week
March - May
TAFILM 300 (3 units) and HIST 330 (3 UNITS)
Summer Break
August - October
ANTH 300 (3 UNITS) and ANTH 301 (1 UNIT)
October - December
SPEECH 301 (3 UNITS) and MUFHL 300 (3 UNITS)
Winter Break
Second Year
January - March
POLS 301 (3 UNITS) and HUM 355 (3 UNITS)
Break - 1 week
March - May
PSYC 300 (3 UNITS) and HIST 308 (3 UNITS)
Summer Break
August - October
ENGWR 300/94* (3 UNITS/2 UNITS) and ASTR 300 (3 UNITS)
October - December
ENGWR 302* (3 UNITS) and PSYC 330* (3 UNITS)
Winter Break
This program meets the requirements for the CSU General Education or Intersegmental General Education Transfer (IGETC) Certificates. This course pattern does not meet all requirements for graduation.
46 Units in the ACE program
14 Additional units needed for an AA/AS degree**
60 Total Units
* Prerequisite must be completed prior to enrolling in this course.
** See a counselor for additional requirements for an AA/AS degree and graduation requirements.
Is it possible for me to take just one of the courses in the 8 week session?
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.
Are ACE classes and units treated any differently from other ARC classes?
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 Fall 2021
Fall 2021 1st 8 - Week Session
1st 8-Week Session: (Saturday, August 22 – Wednesday, October 14)
New Cohort (must attend an Information Session to get enrolled):
HCD 310: Hybrid; Sat. 8:30 – 11:35 am 10612
ANTH 310: Hybrid; Sat. 12:40 – 3:45 pm 10887
Continuing Cohorts (ACE students enrolled first then open to all):
ANTH 300: Hybrid; Sat. 8:30 – 11:35 am 12178
ANTH 301: Hybrid; Sat. 12:40 – 3:45 pm 12179
ASTR 300: ONLINE 10916
ENGWR 300: ONLINE 13063
ENGWR 300+ENGWR 94: ONLINE 11355/12283
ENGRD 111: ONLINE w/Thurs. 6pm, 7 pm 12183/12184
ENGWR 95: ONLINE w/Tues. 5-5:50, 6-6:50, 7-7:50 pm 12284/12486/12743
Fall 2021 2nd 8 - Week Session
2nd 8-Week Session: (Saturday, October 17 – Saturday, December 12)
New Cohort (must attend an Information Session to get enrolled):
TAFILM 300: ONLINE 11630
HIST 330: Hybrid; Wed. 6:00 – 7:35 pm 12180
Continuing Cohorts (ACE students enrolled first then open to all):
SPEECH 301: Hybrid; Sat. 8:00 – 12:20 pm 10927
MUFHL 300: ONLINE 12474
PSYC 330: Hybrid; Sat. 8:30 – 11:35 am 11354
ENGWR 302: ONLINE 11605/12097
"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.