Advanced Culinary Experience (ACE) is a senior year pathway for select second-year Culinary Arts students. In order to be considered for the program, interested juniors must maintain excellent attendance, a minimum GPA (determined by academic and laboratory performance), as well as demonstrate consistent, dependable work ethic and professionalism. Passage of the ServSafe® Certification exam is also required. Ideal candidates for the ACE program have a desire to continue in the Culinary Arts field at a post-secondary or professional level upon graduation.

In addition to practicing more demanding techniques in the kitchen, ACE students have the opportunity to earn college credit, working toward their MVCC “Micro-Credential” in Kitchen Competencies. Per MVCC, “Micro-Credentials are groups of three to four courses that can be taken as a stand-alone program or can eventually be stacked to earn a degree or certificate. They are designed to help students quickly develop relevant skills to prepare them for entry-level employment or per-diem work, and can help those currently employed gain additional training to advance their career.”