ACES (Athletes Committed to Educating Students)

After 30 years of empowering youth and advancing educational equity in Minnesota, we’re thrilled to unveil ACES’s enhanced, forward-focused mission statement, vision, organizational values, and theory of change! Developed with invaluable insight and input from our community—including youth, volunteers, and partners—these statements reflect ACES’s deep commitment to expanding opportunity and building a future where all young people can thrive. Curious to learn more? Dive in and join us in this important work by visiting our website today!

We are *thrilled* to announce the release of our 2024 ACES Impact Report! This year marked an incredible chapter in ACES’s 30-year journey, and we’re excited and proud to share some of our favorite moments—from a back-to-school shopping spree for our youth to a transformative technology donation. We couldn’t do this without our amazing partners and supporters. Together, we’re not just making plays—we’re making a difference. Check out the report here: https://lnkd.in/gF6izwwA

You know her and love her—help us celebrate the one and only Misha Evertz on her 1??0??-year anniversary at ACES! Misha began her journey with us as an AmeriCorps Fellow and has since taken on a range of roles within our Program Team. As Evaluation Director, she now leads our evaluation and grants efforts, all while being our unofficial (official) IT expert! We loved celebrating her last week with cake and extra frosting—just how she likes it! Thank you, Misha, for a decade of dedication and impact! ????

Happy Monday! We hope your weekend was as fantastic as ours! Our Associate Board members had an incredible time kicking off the year and welcoming new faces at our annual AB Retreat. These awesome leaders give their all for Minnesota’s youth, and we’re beyond lucky to have them on the ACES team. ????

Help us give a warm ACES welcome to the newest members of our team: Ellie Green, Rachel Sawdy, Kou Thao, and Maritza Zambrano! These talented and dedicated educators will each lead programming as a Program Coordinator at one of our partner schools. We’re excited for the energy, passion, and experience they bring to our community. Visit www.aces4kids.org/staff to learn more about Ellie, Rachel, Kou, and Maritza, and to meet the rest of our all-star ACES team!

?? Fantastic First Day at Global Arts Plus! ?? This morning marked the start of another year of ACES’s before-school programming at GAP. For more than 20 years, we've had the joy of partnering with this innovative school to support students’ math growth and social emotional learning. A huge thank you to our dedicated Program Coordinators and Academic Coaches and the enthusiastic young people who make each ACES day so special. Here’s to a year filled with learning, growth, and new friendships!

We are so excited to kick off another year of impactful programming with our amazing partner schools! Join us in celebrating our partnerships with Global Arts Plus, Hennepin Schools, Northeast College Prep, Community of Peace Academy, Hiawatha Academies, and Partnership Academy. Together, we're building brighter futures and empowering youth to thrive!

A huge shoutout to St. Paul Saints and Treasure Island Resort & Casino for helping ACES start this school year on a high note! We are honored to be a #GoinYardforYouth featured organization once again and our team had an amazing time accepting your generous gift at last week’s game. The Saints and Treasure Island truly go to bat and make a difference for Minnesota youth. ?????

Happy #FirstDayofSchool! To all the students, teachers, administrators, school staff, and education champions gearing up for a new year, we’re cheering you on! A few weeks ago, our amazing partners the Minnesota Twins and Target, with special support from all-star pitcher Pablo López, treated our Youth Advisory Council members to an incredible back-to-school shopping spree! From backpacks and notebooks to pencils, calculators, and brand-new shoes, our students are set up for success. Here’s to a fantastic school year ahead—filled with learning, growth, and new adventures. We’re wishing everyone the very best as you head back to class today! ??????

??? Wishing a very happy first day of school to all those heading back to class today! And huge thanks to members of our Associate Board and volunteers from Holiday Stationstores who joined us on Friday for another Back-to-School Community Cleanup at Hennepin Schools! Thanks to your hard work, Hennepin students return to a campus shining bright and ready for a fantastic year! ????