Leadership in Action: ACES Youth Inspired at the Next Is NOW Leadership Academy
ACES youth and volunteers with Next is Now Founder and NFL Star Jalen Travis
This summer, ACES youth had the opportunity to experience what leadership looks like in action. Through a partnership with the Next Is NOW Foundation, founded by Indianapolis Colts offensive lineman and Minnesota native Jalen Travis, ACES youth participated in the Travis Leadership Summit, a one-of-a-kind event that brought together middle school students and high school leaders from across the Twin Cities.
An ACES student makes a shot.
While the afternoon featured NFL- and NBA-inspired combine activities, the true focus wasn't athletic performance. It was on learning mentorship skills, how to bring out the best in others, and helping young people recognize the leader within themselves.
The event paired ACES students with high school athletes and student leaders who had just completed the Travis Leadership skill building workshop. Throughout the afternoon, these mentors guided ACES youth through a series of fun athletic challenges, from timed sprints and agility drills to basketball shooting and football skills. At every station, students were encouraged to try their best, support one another, and take healthy risks with confidence.
In that way, the Leadership Academy aligned closely with ACES’ social emotional skill goals. For example, rather than emphasizing competition, the activities encouraged teamwork, persistence, confidence, and connection.
Jalen Travis, who founded Next Is NOW, envisioned the event as an opportunity for older students to immediately put their leadership into practice. By serving as coaches and role models, the high school leaders demonstrated that leadership can be about investing in others’ success.
Each participant received a personalized combine card to record their results. Late in the afternoon, students enjoyed ice cream together, had the chance to receive an autograph and individual photo with Jalen, and celebrated the day's accomplishments as a community. For many ACES youth, meeting an NFL player who provided them genuine attention and encouragement was truly an amazing experience.
A student poses for a photo with his signed player card and NFL Star Jalen Travis
We are incredibly grateful to Jalen Travis, the Next Is NOW Foundation, the Travis Leadership Summit volunteers, the ACES’ Associate Board members who came out and volunteered, and everyone who made this partnership possible.
