ACE-IT in College Undergraduate Certificate

ACE-IT in College, a fully accredited inclusive postsecondary education program, provides a pathway to higher education for students with intellectual disability (ID) that do not meet the traditional college entrance criteria. ACE-IT in College promotes inclusion and opportunities for students with ID at VCU. Not only do enrolled students take courses that align with their career goals, they also have paid campus jobs and community internships to help prepare them for their chosen careers. 

ACE-IT students are VCU RAMS. You take VCU courses, maintain paid employment on campus, and engage in the college community just like any other college student. In fact, 90% of ACE-IT graduates are employed after graduation.

I’m interested in ACE-IT in College - How do I apply? 

The ACE-IT application comes out each fall. ACE-IT application materials include: 

• A completed ACE-IT application
• Copy of your most recent IEP
• Current resume 
• High school transcript
• High school disciplinary record
• Two references 

Once the application is released, please follow these steps: 

1. Check the program requirements for admission
2. Complete the ACE-IT application. 
3. Check your email for updates on the interview/selection process.

To stay up to date with ACE-IT information and application release, join our mailing list. 

What is an ACE-IT Certificate?

Students attending ACE-IT in College receive a certificate from the VCU School of Education. Students meet program requirements by taking VCU courses, maintaining paid jobs on campus, and completing an internship at a local business. Students audit most of their courses. These college credits are not transferable to another college or program.

The focus of this certificate is to prepare ACE-IT graduates to find competitive paid employment in their chosen career fields. The ACE-IT in College program is a federally recognized comprehensive transition and postsecondary (CTP) program for students with intellectual disabilities. 

Program Information

Students are required to complete 20-23 credit hours. 

Required Courses.

• SEDP 492 (1) ACE-IT Bridge In Course (1 credit) 
• UNIV 101 Introduction to the University (1 credit) 
• SPCH 121 Effective Speech (3 credits)

Liberal Arts Education Courses. Students are required to complete one course from each of the following academic areas:

• Science  
• Language and the Arts
• Social Studies/Civilization/History/Global Studies

Electives. Students take 2-3 electives of their choice. Students are also required to maintain employment. 

Employment

• Three semesters of paid campus employment
• SEDP 492 (2) ACE-IT in College Internship (1 credit): 80-120 hours of on-site community internship in conjunction with career preparation coursework
  
  

How Do I Pay for ACE-IT?

College is expensive. ACE-IT in College is no different. In addition to course tuition and fees, ACE-IT students pay program fees that cover the individualized supports and services provided to students within the program. 

While ACE-IT provides some scholarship opportunities, here are some additional options to help you prepare for paying for college:

• Consider an ABLE Savings Account
• Utilize a Virginia 529 College Savings Plan 
• Connect with your local DARS office to learn about support opportunities
• Explore military benefits
• Review Scholarship Opportunities
• Complete FAFSA* 

*ACE-IT is a federally recognized CTP, which allows students the opportunity to access Federal financial aid (Pell Grants and Federal Work Study). However, ACE-IT in College students do not have access to federal student loans. 

Ready to Go to College? 

• Join our mailing list to keep up with program updates and application process.
• Start collecting your application materials.
• Check out ACE-IT on Facebook and Instagram
• Explore Think College
  
  

Contact info

ACE-IT email: aceit@vcu.edu

ACE-IT Director: Jaclyn Camden, jlcamden2@vcu.edu

ADDITIONAL INFO

Follow ACE-IT on Facebook

Visit the ACE-IT in College website

Check out ACE-IT in the news:

• Inclusivity in the workplace
• VCU Program in its 10th year
• After graduating from VCU program 
• ‘A remarkable person with a bright future’
• Student Spotlight
• Two first year students pursue career goals
• A Day with an ACE-IT in College student
• VCU's inclusive ACE-IT in College earns accreditation

PROGRAM BASICS and ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

ACE-IT in College is an inclusive learning and training program for transition-age adults with intellectual disability. With individualized support, ACE-IT in College students participate in employment, college classes, and campus activities.

For more information, visit ACE-IT’s website or email aceit@vcu.edu 

 

Mission Statement

ACE-IT in College is a School of Education certificate program at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) dedicated to the academic and career success of its students. The program is designed to support students with intellectual disability wanting to attend college as a pathway to obtaining competitive integrated employment and self-determined futures. The program strives to provide each student with individualized support so that ACE-IT in College students can actively engage in real-world learning through inclusive VCU employment, academic coursework, and campus activities.