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!
Read MoreHazel, 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.
Read MoreRemember 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreThis 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!
Read MoreAt 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.
Read MoreOn 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.
Read MoreFrom 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.
Read MoreAt 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.
Read MoreAt 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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