At All-Star Evening, ACES was proud to premier a video that celebrates our impact on Minnesota students. A special thank you to Mark Rosen for narrating and to the students and their families who were willing to share how ACES has made a difference in their lives.
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On May 15, over 500 supporters joined us at The Fillmore Minneapolis for a night that truly knocked it out of the park! From inspiring student speakers to our first-ever afterparty, All-Star Evening was a powerful celebration of youth potential and community connection.
Thanks to you, we’re expanding programs, empowering students, and keeping the momentum going.
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From mastering Math to leading his peers with confidence, DJ brings his A-game to every part of ACES. Whether he’s building creative projects, learning about Paralympic sports, or shooting hoops with friends, DJ shows what it means to lead with heart and curiosity.
His teachers describe him as fearless, kind, and uplifting. Alex Ho, one of his Academic Coaches, explains, “His willingness to volunteer to lead his peers is inspiring, and he does it effortlessly.”
Check out how DJ is growing his skills, lifting up others, and making every moment count—on and off the court.
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At ACES, we believe learning is at its best when it’s active, creative, and connected to students’ passions—and Jose is proof of that in action. A fan of baseball and math, Jose loves how ACES blends both through fun, engaging projects like stadium building and sports stats.
“ACES is a fun learning program that you can take so you can learn more math and teams and stuff,” he says. Jose has shown incredible growth in his confidence and focus, especially with long division, and brings a calm, positive energy that lifts up those around him.
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At ACES, learning goes beyond the classroom, and Kenneth is a perfect example of how math, sports, and teamwork come together to create an engaging and fun experience.
A 5th grader with a love for basketball and a drive to challenge himself, Kenneth thrives in ACES activities that blend hands-on learning with real-world applications. From designing a mini-golf course to calculating his vertical jump in our basketball combine, Kenneth has discovered new ways to apply math in sports and everyday life.
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Meet Eva and Forever, two of our ACES youth who embody what it looks like to engage with ACES programming.
Site Coordinator Rachel sees firsthand how Eva and Forever take full advantage of everything ACES has to offer. “They are two young people who want to get the most out of their time at ACES after school, working with their peers on projects, spending time with ACES staff on their homework, and coming along on our field trips,” Rachel shares.
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In just a few months, Deissy has embraced the ACES curriculum. One of her favorite moments was when the ACES team combined math with baseball. “My favorite part was when we played baseball. I hadn’t really played before, and it was a new experience. Every time we scored a point in the game, we got a new equation to solve. Then you go to the teacher to check if you got the right answer.”
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For our first ACES Faces Feature of the 2024-25 school year, we’re excited to introduce you to Jessie, a vibrant 4th grader who is just starting her adventure in the ACES program! After just a few weeks in the program, Jessie shared that math has become her favorite subject. “My favorite thing is doing the math work. I like all the math. It’s a new thing I like!” Jessie credits supportive teachers and engaging activities at ACES for her newfound love of numbers and problem solving.
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This November, as we celebrate 30 years of unlocking opportunity and empowering Minnesota youth, we invite you to join ACES’s all-star team on Give to the Max Day! Your donation helps us break down barriers and keep ACES programming 100% free-of-charge for all young people who participate. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a significant impact and gets us closer to our $20,000 goal!
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We’re thrilled to announce that our fourth annual Pints for a Purpose event, hosted by the ACES Associate Board, is returning to Barrel Theory! Join us on November 14th, from 4-9pm as we come together to support ACES’s mission to level the playing field for Minnesota youth.
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