This year’s ACES All-Star Evening was more than a celebration. It was a powerful reminder of what can happen when young people are surrounded by opportunity, encouragement, and a community that believes in them.

Our theme this year was Multipliers. When we help one student succeed, that success multiplies across communities. ACES works with hundreds of Twin Cities youth each year, helping them build academic skills, confidence, and the belief that they can achieve their goals. Our students don’t just benefit individually; they become leaders who inspire their peers, are good to their families, and strengthen their schools.

At ACES, we believe learning doesn’t stop when the school day ends, and neither do we! This winter, our team is diving into books that spark curiosity, reimagine math, and explore what it means to grow in the classroom and in community. From data equity to basketball and belonging, these titles remind us that discovery is everywhere. Join us on the journey!

Hazel, a 7th grader at CPA, brings a spark of creativity and curiosity to every ACES session. Since joining last year, she’s been learning through movement, teamwork, and a whole lot of fun. Her dream lesson? Fencing with pool noodles!

From solving math problems to exploring new sports, Hazel reminds us how powerful learning can be when it’s playful, inclusive, and student-led.

Remember the joy of back-to-school shopping? Picking out fun pencils, fresh notebooks, and a new backpack made the upcoming school year feel like it was full of possibilities!

In partnership with the Minnesota United FC and Target, a select group of our ACES students took a field trip to Target where they were greeted by Minnesota United players Michael Boxall and Robin Lod, Loons mascot PK, and a team of enthusiastic Target personal shoppers ready to give them a back-to-school shopping experience that was anything but ordinary.

The 2024–25 school year is officially in the books and what better way to celebrate than with one of our most legendary field trips of the year?

Held at Treasure Island’s Island Xtreme Bowl, the party was full of fun, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Students teamed up with Saints players for an evening that had it all: bowling strikes and spares (and an occasional gutter ball), pizza parties, spontaneous dance-offs, high-fives galore, and autographs that our students will treasure for years to come.

This July, ACES is honored to team up with Treasure Island Resort & Casino as the nonprofit recipient of the Island Impact initiative! From concerts, donated slot tickets, Charity Bingo, and more, there are plenty of ways to support our students this summer.

Join us for Music by the Mississippi, drop in for a game of Charity Bingo, and help make this month a slam dunk for youth empowerment!