Math is for everyone.
Minnesota youth face some of the most severe education disparities in the nation, with our state ranking at the bottom in the education system. A range of factors contribute to these disparities – including school funding and deeply rooted income, healthcare, and housing inequality.
2 in 5
Only 2 out of every 5 8th grade students in Minnesota are proficient in grade-level mathematics.
20%
It’s estimated that 20% of our young people experience moderate to severe math anxiety.
30%
Students who successfully complete math in 8th grade are 30% more likely to enroll in advanced math classes in high school.
ACES works to change the equation.
ACES is an innovative out-of-school-time program that brings math and social-emotional learning to life for Minnesota students. Our hands-on curriculum, individual mentorship, and once-in-a-lifetime field trip opportunities help students develop crucial academic and life skills – all through the exciting lens of sports.
In partnership with Minnesota’s professional and collegiate sports teams, ACES is tackling the academic opportunity gap and preparing young learners to succeed in school, career, and community.
At ACES, relationships come first.
Before young people can take risks, ask questions, or try something new, they need to know they belong. ACES coaches make time to build genuine relationships with young people, creating spaces where they feel comfortable being themselves, learning from mistakes, and discovering what they can do. Because meaningful learning starts with connection.
How ACES works
ACES programming runs in middle grades (4th - 8th) between the acquisition of fundamental building blocks and the more complex applications of math skills. Middle grades are a time when students test out new ideas of “what makes me ‘me’” and are more sensitive to setbacks and challenges. ACES works to develop numeracy skills and math mindsets along with key social and emotional capacities, such as working with others on a team, demonstrating leadership, and showing confidence.
Together, these abilities support youth in their academic persistence and success.
We do this through the inclusive and accessible lens of sports.
Athletes around the world model our social emotional skills all the time. They show persistence, team work, and confidence. Sports provide positive examples of both domestic and international diversity. All of our young people can find role models who represent their background.
Sports provide opportunities to explore a variety of different math concepts along with future career opportunities. Through applied learning experiences, team partner mentorship, and real-world exposure, our students see firsthand how their interest in sports can translate into meaningful work.
And sports are a meaningful way to connect with youth.
Sports bring people together. They give young people a shared language, a sense of community, and countless opportunities to learn by doing. At ACES, we use that connection to make learning engaging, inclusive, and accessible, helping young people build the skills, confidence, and relationships that extend far beyond the school day.
ACES is focused on the future.
Our young people are Minnesota’s next small business owners, technologists, healthcare professionals, and teachers. Their families and communities are here. ACES makes them all life-long fans of Minnesota Sports! When we invest in them, we are investing in Minnesota!
Join us in tackling the academic opportunity gap and make a difference for Minnesota students by investing in ACES transformative work today.
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