(484) 602-2150 ace@i-leadusa.org

About Us

Helping you take the complicated out of college

About US

ACE logo
Harcum Seal

Since 2005

Achieve College Education Program

The Achieve College Education (ACE) program is a collaboration developed by I-LEAD, Inc. that brings together 13 community-based institutions and Harcum College to provide high quality associate degree programs for traditionally under-served communities. Since 2005, more than 1000 working adults, have earned an associate degree; after graduation, many matriculate at 4-year institutions to earn a Bachelor’s Degree. The ACE partners work together to provide the opportunity for everyone to achieve the best quality of life for themselves, their families and to contribute to their communities.

ACE offers affordable tuition, an accelerated format, and convenient evening courses, which meet twice a week. The degree programs are fully accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, enabling students to qualify for financial aid and to transfer all credits to four year degree programs at local universities (click here for a list of transfer institutions). Students participating in the programs are fully-matriculated students of Harcum College and the associate degree is awarded by Harcum College.

I-LEAD logo

Since 1995

I-LEAD, Inc.

The Institute for Leadership Education, Advancement, and Development, Inc. (or I-LEAD) is a Pennsylvania nonprofit that has served as a force for community leadership development since 1995. David Castro is the President of I-LEAD and its Chief Executive Officer.

Since 1995, I-LEAD has provided grassroots leadership training, health advocacy, leadership programs, community health worker training, bio-preparedness, CNA and VESL training and education through grassroots and community organizations which serve predominantly minority neighborhoods throughout Central and Southeastern Pennsylvania.At the behest of adult trainees seeking college credit for their coursework, I-LEAD translated its leadership training into an accredited two year college program 2005 in collaboration with Harcum College. 

As a result of these intensive programs, I-LEAD has been able to build close contacts and relationships with numerous grassroots, faith-based and community organizations across Pennsylvania, spanning small cities, larger urban areas, and the rural communities that connect them. The several thousand strong alumni of I-LEAD—including political leaders and numerous leaders of small organizations and faith congregations across Pennsylvania—form a potent network for serving the public good.

For Over 100 Years

Harcum College

The College of Possibilities

One of the oldest associate degree granting colleges in Pennsylvania, Harcum College has been preparing professionals for meaningful and successful careers for over 100 years. The faculty of Harcum teach, mentor, and prepare students for success in their chosen profession in an experiential environment. Harcum celebrated its centennial in 2015 and maintains its core values of excellence, civility, empowerment, integrity, community service, and respect for diversity. About 1,700 students from 7 states and 8 countries and from a variety of racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds attend Harcum with 5% of living on campus.

In 2005, I-LEAD, Inc. collaborated with Harcum to develop accelerated associate degree programs which are offered at 13 community-based organizations throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania. This is the Achieve College Education program (ACE). ACE enrolls approximately 500 students per year and has awarded more than 1,000 associate degrees.

Harcum 100 years
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Community Partners

The ACE Community Partners network includes 13 trusted community-engaged organizations. They are integral to the success of the ACE program. Each Community Partner employs an ACE site coordinator who is responsible for recruiting students and provides support to students from the initial application process to graduation.

COMMUNITY PARTNER DIRECTORY

 

Beyond Literacy
229 N. 63rd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19139
Kieran Farrell 267-773-5081
kfarrell@harcum.edu
Lorna Jackson 267-258-0337
ljackson@harcum.edu
Coatesville
53 S. First Avenue
Coatesville, PA 19320
Bill Shaw 610-810-1556
billshaw@harcum.edu
Sondra Brewer 610-810-1556
sbrewer@harcum.edu
Congreso
2800 N. American Street
Philadelphia, PA 19133
Jose Benitez 215-268-7235
jbenitez@harcum.edu
Deliverance
2001 W. Lehigh Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19132
Celeste Atkins
215-226-7600 ext. 3142
catkins@harcum.edu
Delta-Glenside
2210 Mt. Carmel Ave.
Glenside, PA 19038
Lavern Ogden 267-991-2832
logden@harcum.edu
Greater Philadelphia Community Alliance
2201 Moore Street
Philadelphia, PA 19146
Nicole Morgan, M.Ed. 215-468-1645 x7240
nicolemorgan@gpca-phila.org
Grace-Trinity
5200 Oxford Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19124
Dr. Mrinalini Sebastian
215-620-4742 (cell); 215-535-3885 (office)
msebastian@harcum.edu
Heart of God Family Worship Center
201 N. Hanover St.
Pottstown, PA 19464
610-327-9410
I-LEAD Chester
Dr. Nolan Fontaine 484-441-3821
nfontaine@harcum.edu
Little People’s Village
6522 Haverford Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19151
Lisa Iliopoulos 215-837-5423
lilopoulos@harcum.edu
Mt. Airy Church of God in Christ
6401 Ogontz Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19126
215-276-2960
Reading
540 Upland Avenue
Reading, PA 19611
Hector Torres 484-529-3293
htorres@harcum.edu
Southwest Leadership Academy
7101 Paschall Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19142
Paulette Royster 484-416-0439
proyster@harcum.edu
Spanish American Civic Association
Tec Centro West
651 High Street
Lancaster, PA 17602
Hector Torres484-529-3293
Woods Services
10 Meadowood Drive
Langhorne, PA 19047
Valerie Durden 215-750-4234
vdurden@harcum.edu
 

 

 

 

Get More Info!

Helping you take the complicated out of college

Head Office

1122 County Line Road
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010

Call Us

(484) 602-2150

EMAIL US

ace@i-leadusa.org