The ACE Experience
STANFORD, Calif. – In its third year of international service, the Rubenstein-Bing Student-Athlete Civic Engagement (ACE) Program provides one-time funding for accepted Stanford and Duke student-athletes to participate in three-week, immersive summer service experiences with an international community partner.
Scheduled to begin on June 21 in Vietnam, ACE is a joint collaboration between the Stanford and Duke athletic departments, as well as Haas Center for Public Service at Stanford and DukeEngage at Duke. The program is made possible by the generous supports of David Rubenstein and Peter and Helen Bing.
"I want an opportunity to give back in a global context. During the year I don't have the opportunity to work internationally because of the commitment to rowing, so I am so excited to do so this summer," said Anja Zehfuss, a member of the Stanford women's rowing team.
Student-athletes from both institutions will have the chance to volunteer together in one of four international group programs (Vietnam, South Africa, China and India) with diverse service themes including coaching, education, health outreach, environmental sustainability and conservation, and more.
"As I am passionate about both education and fencing, ACE in Vietnam is a perfect combination of my love of community service and my passions. I believe that this unique opportunity will teach me more about myself and the significance of being an active member of the community," expressed Cardinal fencer Anna Lee.
Stanford will be represented by 19 student-athletes across 16 sport programs, with the rowing programs combing to send five student-athletes, while lacrosse has three participants. For more information visit, www.ace.stanford.edu.
Vietnam • June 21 - July 15
| Participant | Year | Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Justin Kang | '20 | Men's Fencing |
| Jake Koffman | '21 | Men's Track and Field |
| Anna Lee | '21 | Women's Fencing |
| Kaylie Mings | '21 | Field Hockey |
| Sophia Sole | '21 | Sailing |
Student-athletes will serve alongside a team of Vietnamese college students, teaching academics, sports, and life skills to middle school youth at a summer camp in rural Vietnam, with a focus on mentorship and promoting higher education.
South Africa • June 23 - July 14
| Participant | Year | Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Max Evans | '21 | Men's Rowing |
| Taylor Lallas | '21 | Women's Tennis |
| Amelia Smith | '21 | Beach Volleyball |
| Aleeza Yu | '20 | Women's Gymnastics |
| Anja Zehfuss | '20 | Women's Rowing |
Student-athletes will assist in running a sports-focused school holiday program for children in the informal community of Nomzamo Township near Gordon's Bay, along with other projects according to local need.
China • July 14 - August 4
| Participant | Year | Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Isabella Duan | '21 | Lightweight Rowing |
| Brandon Kier | '20 | Wrestling |
| Jacie Lemos | '20 | Lacrosse |
| Mikaela Watson | '20 | Lacrosse |
Student-athletes will coach sports camps and lead education-focused workshops for local village children in a minority population area near Shangri-La located in Yunnan Province in southwestern China.
India • July 21 - August 11
| Participant | Year | Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Julia Persche | '20 | Lacrosse |
| Valerie Przekop | '21 | Women's Track and Field |
| Nicki Schindler | '20 | Women's Rowing |
| Blake Sun | '21 | Men's Gymnastics |
| Cassidy Wiley | '19 | Women's Water Polo |
Student-athletes will aid local organizations and community groups in New Delhi with health outreach efforts, focusing on particular local and regional health issues and concerns.