United States Tennis Association Foundation has done it again; thanks to their tremendous support, ACE will take our mission to the next level! See what our organizational leaders had to say about the future of ACE.
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These days, ACE programs look a bit different, but we are always moving toward equity! We caught up with program leaders in Chicago, Baltimore, and Detroit to understand the local impact of COVID-19 and how it’s shaping their work.
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Susan Klumpner, ACE’s Executive Director and Co-Founder, discusses the organization’s adapted vision for 2020 to keep kids active and excelling through school shutdowns and stay-in-place orders.
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Smiling is contagious. Just ask Coach Jackson, who has helped the ACE Movement expand at Lincoln Elementary School; her positivity and encouraging smile motivates youth, like Avion, to get in the game. Take a look at what Coach Jackson had to say about Avion’s development as a tennis player and peer leader.
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Though the 12 Days of Christmas have been counted down, The ACE Project had 5 Parent Mentors musing this holiday season as they reflected on the lessons they learned during the first half of the school year. Take a look at what they had to say!
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Jeremiah continues to impress with his tennis skills as well as his leadership, kindness, and passion; it’s no wonder Coach Eaker wanted to update us on his progress. Being one of our first Advantage scholarship recipients has given him the edge on and off the court; take a look how!
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After setting down our roots at Washington Elementary School in Riverdale, Illinois, The ACE Project extended programs to Lincoln and Roosevelt Elementary Schools in Dolton. Click here to see what Dornetta Walker, Principal at Washington Elementary had to say about the work being done in School District #148.
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We are jumping up and down after another inspiring retreat this spring, welcoming new voices to get on board the fast-moving ACE train. What did we gain through this experience as we look ahead?
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It’s lining up to be another incredible summer, thanks largely to our partners, like the USTA, that continue to get ACE moving. Consider the latest project taking place at Roosevelt Elementary in Dolton: a blended line addition. Say what? We are repurposing the outdoor laptop for more play!
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When our ACE-ers find their voices through exercises on and off the court, it is a transformative experience to watch. Take Coach Burnett’s word(s) for it as she describes Jadaiah’s blossoming into a social butterfly at Washington Elementary in her Post-Season Story!
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What does it mean to be “Queen of the Court”? Don’t worry, because Shaniyah, with the help of Coach Eaker, from Washington Elementary, will fill you in on all the details. She’ll even do so while hitting the ball past you, taking her rightful spot on the court with her crown.
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We are dancing on the courts as ACE brings our programs up to Motown. There has already been a lot of moving and shaking to find the community partners who will get us up and running, but have we found our rhythm? Read more!
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Our laces are tied up, and our rackets are strung. Our ACE-ers are ready to get on the courts! With the success of the Winner Wonderland campaign, the Spring season ahead looks even brighter. How have you helped us grow our impact? Just take a look and see.
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The ACE Project has been so fortunate to work alongside parents in our communities to benefit our programs, and with the Parent Mentor Program, we will take a crucial step forward toward better parent engagement. What is this program, though? Why is it important? How will we pull it off? Don’t worry! We have the answers!
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Riverdale joins communities located in Miami, Los Angeles, Cincinnati and New York as part of the Art Courts initiative, a tennis court renovation project that amplifies the importance of public courts and their ability to provide youth with rich opportunities for growth, personal development, and culture.
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Wow, 12 weeks went by fast! With the successful wrap of Serve and Connect in Baltimore and Chicago, we reflect on the lessons learned then consider how to sustain the relationships we established through the project.
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Though many students jump for joy when school is excused for the summer, the children living in south suburban Chicago and Baltimore City are forced to consider their level of safety due to increased violence. How can we make a difference in young lives and save the summer through The ACE Project?
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The ACE team is the BEST team, and we had an opportunity to share this fact with Voyage Chicago in an interview recently as part of its Most Inspiring Stories series. Susan Klumpner, executive director and co-founder, answers all the essential questions about how ACE came into existence, but what keeps it running is its fabulous team! Check out the interview!
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The ACE Project aim to strengthen our community networks by launching Serve and Connect, which will welcome local police officers into our Baltimore- and Chicago-based schools and give them the opportunity to participate in learning activities with students. In partnership with the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Foundation, Serve and Connect kicks off at the end of February, and we can't wait for the fun to begin!
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ACE catches up with Ms. Janet Eaker, physical education teacher at Washington Elementary School in Riverdale, to learn what motivates her as a coach and teacher. Her answers may not surprise you---the students play a major role---but Coach Eaker's heart and dedication are felt through her responses
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