ACE Program Returns in 2022

DURHAM - The Rubenstein-Bing Student-Athlete Civic Engagement (ACE) Program is entering its seventh year in 2022. This summer, ACE will return to in-person programming with a new, United States-based program in addition to offering four virtual international service programs.

In a partnership with Stanford, the ACE Program provides funding for accepted Duke and Stanford student-athletes to participate in three-week, immersive summer service experiences with an international community partner. The program is made possible by the generous support of David Rubenstein and Peter and Helen Bing.

ACE is excited to offer Duke and Stanford student-athletes the opportunity to participate in both in-person and virtual international experiences where they will work on collaborative service projects, form relationships across the Duke and Stanford athletic community, and connect with community partners around the world.

Building off the success of the ACE in Place 2021 programs, ACE will again offer four virtual service programs focused on supporting community-based organizations located in Peru, South Africa, Thailand and Vietnam. Virtual programs allow ACE the opportunity to continue to offer impactful summer service experiences for Duke and Stanford student-athletes in the midst of the on-going global COVID-19 pandemic as well as provide a flexible option for student-athletes to engage in service experiences.

Additionally, Duke and Stanford student-athletes will have the opportunity to apply and participate in ACE in Colorado, ACE's new, in-person, United States-based program, where they will engage in conservation and environmental stewardship efforts in local communities. The Colorado program will continue ACE's mission of delivering global experiences to student-athletes through discussion and engagement on global conservation efforts.

This summer's programs are a result of the efforts of the ACE staff, ACE Ambassador Alumni and community partners working together to bring ACE back to in-person programming as well as providing meaningful virtual service experiences.

When and what are they doing?
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, ACE has come together with community partners to create impactful virtual and in-person programming for the Duke and Stanford student-athlete community. Participants will work closely with program leaders based across the world and in Colorado who will facilitate team building, encourage meaningful opportunities for group reflection, manage community partner relationships, offer mentorship and support during project work, track project progress, and organize cultural enrichment opportunities.

ACE in Place | South Africa (virtual)
*June 26 - July 15*
Student-athletes will virtually support environmentally and socially responsible enterprises in South Africa with a focus on sustainable and ethical initiatives.

ACE in Place | Peru (virtual)
*June 26 - July 15*
Student-athletes will virtually support CDS's environmental conservation mission to facilitate education, research and sustainable development activities in the Peruvian Oxapampa cloud forests.

ACE in Place | Thailand (virtual)
*July 24 - August 11*
Student-athletes will virtually support Shark Guardian's mission to advance the conservation of sharks and the natural environment through conservation and education in Thailand and around the world.

ACE in Place | Vietnam (virtual)
*Session I: June 26 - July 15*
*Session II: July 24 - August 11*
Student-athletes will virtually plan and create content together with Vietnamese college students as they teach academics, sports, and life skills at a summer camp for middle school youth in rural Vietnam, with a focus on mentorship and promoting higher education.

*NEW* ACE in Colorado (in-person)
*Session I: June 15 - July 6*
*Session II: July 13 - August 3*
Promoting global conservation and environmental stewardship efforts by supporting community-led initiatives in rural regions of Colorado.

In the student's own words:
Thirty Duke and Stanford student-athletes participated in ACE in Place 2021 virtual programs. The following are reflections from their experiences and thoughts on the return to in-person programs:

On the return to in-person programs:

"After two years of virtual programming, ACE in Colorado is an exciting return to in-person programming; this experience is one that I'm sure participants will never forget. With the aid of AMIGOS, student-athletes will support real, green initiatives, making a tangible impact through their work while building lifelong relationships with their ACE teams. For any student-athlete looking to make a difference while enjoying time away from home, participating in this program is a no-brainer!" – Zach Wassmer, Duke swimming and diving, ACE in Place South Africa 2021

On the virtual ACE in Place experience:

"My participation in this experience has shown me that public service and volunteering will be a part of my life forever. Either domestic or international, reaching others in a meaningful way is life-changing for both parties. I loved the people I worked with and I want to hear more about their dreams, their passions, and their lives. Intentionality, care, support, and encouragement are all things I have learned from my experience that I will implement in my life moving forward." – Elizabeth Reneau, Duke cross country and track & field, ACE in Place Vietnam Session I 2021

Important dates:

January 7: 2022 ACE application live
January 17-21: ACE Week – Info Sessions and Meet 'n Greets held (all virtual)
February 4: Application deadline (due at 12pm PST/3pm EST)
March 9: Students notified
April/May: 2022 ACE Participants announced

To keep up-to-date on all ACE news:

Instagram: DukeStanfordACE; @ACEathletes
Facebook: Rubenstein-Bing Student-Athlete Civic Engagement Program; @dukestanfordACE
Twitter: Duke & Stanford ACE Program; @ACEathletes
YouTube: Rubenstein-Bing Student-Athlete Civic Engagement (ACE) Program
ACE Summer 2022 Hashtags: #ACEathletes, #ACEinPlace, #ACEinPlacePeru, #ACEinPlaceSouthAfrica, #ACEinPlaceThailand, #ACEinPlaceVietnam, #ACEinColorado

#GoDuke

ACE Program Returns in 2022

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