Program Information
The ACES-SSS (Student Support Services) Program is federally funded under the U.S. Department of Education's TRIO Programs. ACES is designed to support participants in meeting the challenges of graduating from College of the Desert and transferring to a four-year university. ACES emphasizes academic, career, personal counseling and educational services to help students meet their goals.
Student Benefits
- One-on-One Academic/Educational Counseling
- Priority One Registration every semester
- Major and Career Planning
- Student Educational Plan (SEP) preparation
- Graduation and University Transfer Advising
- Free Tutoring
- Financial Aid/Scholarship Advising/Application Assistance
- College Tours/Cultural Events
Who is Eligible for ACES-SSS?
Eligibility for the ACES Program is based on the following criteria:
- Financial Need (Meet federally established low-income guidelines)
- First Generation College Student
- Academic Need
- Academic Potential
- Plan to Graduate & Transfer to a four year college or university
- Freshman Status (have completed 12 or more transferrable course units with a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA)
- Full-Time Status (be enrolled in at least 12 units per semester)
- Current Performance Partnership Pilots (P3) provisions have waived the citizenship requirements until September 30, 2026 for eligibility to participate in the program.
How to Apply to ACES-SSS
- Complete and submit an ACES application
- ACES will call you to schedule an interview with an ACES Counselor
- Bring Income Verification to the interview
(i.e. Income Tax)
