The Salt River Junior ACE Program

About the Program

The Salt River Jr. ACE Program is a collaborative venture between Scottsdale Community College (SCC) and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC). This program provides 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students with a bridge experience that immerses them in college-related activities, all hosted on the college campus. To participate, students must be members of SRPMIC, attend SRPMIC schools, or be returning Jr. ACE students.

The Salt River Jr. ACE Program is an annual summer opportunity for 5th–8th grade students from the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC). Held in early June at Scottsdale Community College (SCC), this free program provides a snapshot of the college experience, immersing students in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) while integrating cultural, language, health, and wellness experiences.

Mission

Working collectively and responsibly, we help our students recognize and become prepared for post-secondary opportunities.

Goals:

To strengthen and continue expectations of education for middle-school students residing within the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC).
To increase the high school completion rate of students participating in the Salt River Jr. ACE Program.
To help the children of SRPMIC become productively and meaningfully engaged in the local learning process, thus enhancing the community's quality of life as defined by the community.

Eligibility

To participate in the Salt River Jr. ACE Program, students must meet the following criteria:

Be in 5th, 6th, 7th, or 8th grade before the start of the summer program (students should have completed one of these grades before Summer 2025).

Meet at least one of the following:

Be a member of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC)
Reside in the SRPMIC
Attend a school within the SRPMIC (e.g., Salt River Elementary)
Be a returning Jr. ACE participant
Have a family relative who participated in the program in the previous summer

Students who meet these requirements are encouraged to apply for this exciting college-immersion summer experience!

Application Process

First-time participants must submit the following:

Complete Salt River Jr. ACE Application Packet
Submit copies of U.S. Birth Certificate and Tribal Affiliation Documentation
Submit a Salt River Schools Bus Transportation Form for educational field trips and to request bus transportation within the SRPMIC reservation, if needed.

Returning applicants must submit the following documents:

Complete Salt River Jr. ACE Application Packet
Submit a Salt River Schools Bus Transportation Form for educational field trips and to request bus transportation within the SRPMIC reservation, if needed.

First-time participants and returning applicants may request a hard-copy application packet from SCC or SRPMIC contacts. Find program contact information below.

The Summer College Experience

Before the Summer: Students and their families will participate in an orientation to learn about the program, expectations, and available resources. Dates for 2025 Orientation will be posted very soon! Stay tuned!

During the Summer: Salt River Jr. ACE College Experience at SCC offers a dynamic program designed to engage and inspire students. Participants will explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) through team-building activities, career exploration, and goal-setting sessions. The program also emphasizes physical fitness, nutrition, and wellness, while incorporating community speakers and cultural learning. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to participate in educational field trips that enhance their overall experience.

Post Summer: After the Summer program, retention and bridge activities will be offered to support students. These activities will include cultural events, academic support workshops, and life skills workshops. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to attend sessions with motivational speakers and participate in college preparation workshops. Family networking activities will also be available to foster connections and support student success.

Salt River Jr. ACE Experience

Before the Summer: Students and their families will participate in a mandatory orientation to learn about the program, expectations, and an opportunity to complete an application packet with staff.

During the Summer: The program engages students in STEAM learning, team-building, career exploration, and goal-setting. It also incorporates fitness, wellness, cultural learning, community speakers, and educational field trips for a well-rounded experience.

Post Summer: Students can participate in retention and bridge activities such as cultural events, academic support, and life skills workshops. Additional opportunities include motivational speaker sessions, college preparation workshops, and family networking activities to support student success.

Program Interest Form for Prospective Parents and Guardians

Parents and guardians are encouraged to complete the Salt River Jr. ACE Contact Interest Form below. A staff member will reach out after submission to provide further information.

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Community Outreach and Recruitment

How Educators and Community Members Can Help

Encourage SRPMIC students and their families to apply for this two-week summer program at SCC! Open to new and returning participants, it offers a unique college experience with engaging and fun activities.

Let’s Connect

The Salt River Jr. ACE staff welcomes collaboration with schools and community organizations to introduce this program to students and families. We are available for recruitment visits yearlong to share program details, distribute applications, and engage students in interactive activities.