Accelerated Career
Accelerated Career pathways offer qualified students a unique path to high school graduation. Students choose to simultaneously earn a high school diploma and a college Associate of Applied Science Degree, Technical Diploma, an approved program that leads to licensure, or two (2) approved Technical Certificates of Credit (TCC’s) in a specific career pathway. Accelerated Career students will utilize the “ACE” Grant to cover their pathway of choice, and must be enrolled in a TCSG institution. Students interested in pursuing Accelerated Career pathways should contact their high school counselor or any of the 22 Technical College System of Georgia’s colleges.
The Accelerated Career Education (ACE) Grant Program began State Fiscal Year 2025.
ACE provides funding to Georgia public high school students to enroll in an Associate of Applied Science, a Diploma, a program leading to licensure, or two (2) Technical Certificates of Credit in the same program of study or closely related programs of study on the State High Demand Career List at a TCSG Postsecondary Institution.
The student must be pursuing graduation through the Georgia Department of Education Accelerated Career Diploma (ACD) by their public high school to receive ACE Grant Funding.
What type of student is a good fit for Accelerated Career?
Accelerated Career programs are rigorous Post-Secondary classes
Students must:
- Meet college Dual Enrollment admissions requirements
- Be Self-motivated
- Remain Committed to attending class daily
- Be Mature
- Stay Organized and complete tasks as required
- Take initiative
- Be Responsible
- Have a specific pathway planned for graduation
High school requirements
- 2 English Courses (including EOC course)
- 2 Mathematics Courses (including EOC course)
- 2 Science Courses (including EOC course)
- 2 Social Studies Courses
- 1 Health/Fitness Course
Students may replace one Social Studies course with an additional Math course. Local School Districts may NOT add additional requirements above the state minimum.
Complete Any of the Following Technical College Credentials
- 2 Approved Technical Certificates or
- A Technical Diploma or
- A Program Leading to Licensure or
- An Associates of Applied Science Degree
AAS and Diploma program offerings and placement criteria vary by college. Please contact your TCSG College for progam availability and eligibility.
Accelerated Career Pathways at ATC
These programs are available if the ACCA pathways are full:
Automotive Technology
AE41 Auto Electrical / Electronics Systems Tech
ASG1 Automotive Chassis Technician Specialist
Early Childhood Care and Education
EC31 Early Childhood Care and Education Basics
IC31 Infant / Toddler Care Specialist
Programs available at ATC only
Natural Gas Technician
AZ31 Air Conditioning Technician Assistant
NGT1 Natural Gas Technician
Diesel Technology
DE11 Diesel Electrical / Electronic Systems Technician
DE21 Diesel Engine Service Technician
Welding
FS31 Basic Shielded Arc Welder
GTA1 Gas Tungsten Arc Welder
Emergency Medical Services
EB71 Emergency Medical Responder
Enrollment/Admission Requirements
|
Automotive, Carpentry, Diesel Technology, Early Childhood, Emergency Medical Services, Natural Gas and Welding |
Cybersecurity and Programming |
|---|---|
|
Students must be in 10th, 11th and 12th grade with a GPA of 2.0 to meet the admissions requirements for Atlanta Technical College |
Students must be in the 11th or 12th grade with a HOPE GPA of 2.6 to meet the admissions requirements for Atlanta Technical College
|
Priority enrollment given to students who declare “Accelerated Career”
Steps to Enroll
See your home school counselor to review your Individual Graduation Plan (IGP)
- Ensure nine high school course credits are completed as required
- Utilize YouScience to identify career pathway
- Review Dual Enrollment guidelines and grading expectations
ACCA staff will visit high schools in February to:
- Complete the ACCA Application
- Complete the GA Futures Dual Enrollment Application
- Complete the Atlanta Technical College Dual Enrollment Application
Support for Accelerated Career students
- Transportation provided by APS
- Wrap around support (Graduation Coach, Counselors, and Social Worker)
- Academic Monitoring and Interventions
- Attendance Monitoring and Interventions