ACES All-Star Evening: A Night Rooted in Belonging, Opportunity, and Community

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.

Taylor AndersonMay 21, 2026Comment

ACES Faces Feature: Meet Saw Nee

Meet Saw Nee, a 5th grader at Prodeo Academy whose focus, friendliness, and love of sports shine at ACES. From building creative math projects to celebrating academic growth, Saw Nee brings positive energy to every challenge. ACES has become a “friendly” place where he can practice math, explore sports-based learning, and build confidence for the future.

With big dreams of playing or coaching soccer one day, Saw Nee is learning that perseverance on the field and in the classroom can open doors. His story is a powerful example of what happens when students are engaged, supported, and empowered.

Jennifer SchultzFebruary 9, 2026Comment

What We're Reading This Winter: Curiosity In and Out of the Classroom

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!

Taylor AndersonDecember 26, 2025Comment

ACES Faces Feature: Meet Hazel

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.

Taylor AndersonDecember 18, 2025Comment

ACES Youth Score Big on Social-Emotional Learning with Minnesota United and Target

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.

Taylor AndersonAugust 12, 2025Comment

Bowling Into Summer with the St. Paul Saints and Treasure Island!

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.

Taylor AndersonJuly 7, 2025Comment

ACES Named the Nonprofit Recipient for July at Treasure Island Resort & Casino!

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!

Taylor AndersonJuly 3, 2025Comment

Celebrating Our Impact

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.

Jennifer SchultzJune 17, 2025Comment

All-Star Evening 2025: A Night of Celebration, Community, and Impact

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.

Jennifer SchultzJune 13, 2025Comment

ACES Faces Feature: Meet DJ

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.

Jennifer SchultzMay 27, 2025Comment

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