The Strength of Every Student

Dear Friends,

Children and families in the communities ACE serves are facing challenges that go beyond the classroom. In South Suburban Chicago, nearly half of students are missing 10% or more of school days each year. Chronic absenteeism makes it difficult for students to master skills, follow lessons, and stay connected to teachers and classmates.

At the same time, funding cuts are forcing districts to cut extracurricular programs. These activities teach critical life skills that help students develop independence and resilience. Without these protective supports, students are left vulnerable, often forced into survival modes that make learning and growth more difficult.

These struggles are happening nationwide. In Baltimore, a $48 million funding gap has already closed summer programs and will eliminate nearly fifty after-school programs this year. In Michigan, hundreds of educators and staff risk losing their jobs if federal funding is withheld. Fewer mentors and teachers means students have less guidance and support to excel.

At ACE, we know what works. When students participate in our programs, they gain confidence while developing skills that carry over into every aspect of their lives. Whether working with mentors in the classroom during school or with coaches after-school on the tennis court, our ACErs learn to collaborate with peers, solve problems creatively, and manage challenges with persistence. 

Students who may have struggled to connect in a traditional classroom find ways to lead and contribute, discovering their own potential and sense of purpose. Parents, teachers, and social workers who are part of the ACE Team amplify this impact by guiding students in ways that strengthen both academic outcomes and social growth.

The Back to School campaign is our opportunity to sustain this proven model. Your support keeps programs running for over 1,000 kids plus maintains economic opportunities for local leaders who step up to the baseline throughout the school year to serve the community. Every donation helps students master new skills and experience the transformative power of sport-based youth programming. With ACE, children actively move toward futures filled with more winning moments.

We appreciate your belief in our mission to serve.

With gratitude,
Susan Klumpner, Ph.D., LCSW
Executive Director & Co-Founder