ANSWER:

Achieving College Excellence and Success

The Achieving College Excellence and Success (ACES) program is designed to create a seamless educational pathway and support structure from high school to college completion that focuses on students who historically are underrepresented in higher education, first in their family
to attenda and graduate from a college or university in the United States, differing in abilities, from a single parent household, from a low income household falling below the poverty line as defined by the State of Maryland, or English language learners. As of October 2019, there are 1,659 high school junior and senior students in the ACES program.

The ACES program funding is based on a total of 1,680 students served at 14 high schools. For Fiscal Year (FY) 2021, the total budget for the ACES program is $3.1 million. The University of Maryland Global Campus (formerly The Universities at Shady Grove) and Montgomery College fund $2.9 million of the program cost. Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) has budgeted $200,000 in the Office of Student and Family Support and Engagement. The estimated cost to MCPS per student is approximately $119.

CollegeTracks

The CollegeTracks Program helps high school junior and seniors understand their college and career options, identify colleges that are a fit for them, and assists with the college admissions process. The program also engages families, advises on college selection decisions, and provides hands-on help with financial aid and scholarship applications. As of December 2019, there are 1,154 students in the CollegeTracks program. CollegeTracks funding is based on a minimum of 1,000 students enrolled in the program at Bethesda-Chevy Chase, Paint Branch, Quince Orchard, Watkins Mill, and Wheaton, and Watkins Mill high schools.  

The Superintendents Recommended FY 2021 Operating Budget includes $700,000 for the College Tracks Program with the expectation of expanding to more schools. Based on the MCPS budget of $700,000, the cost per student for the 1,154 students is approximately $607.