STANFORD, Calif. - In its seventh 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.
This summer, ACE will return to in-person programming with a new, U.S.-based program in addition to offering four virtual international service programs. The programs are made possible by the generous support of David Rubenstein and Peter and Helen Bing.
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.
Duke and Stanford student-athletes will also have the opportunity to apply and participate in ACE in Colorado, ACE's new, in-person, U.S.-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. 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.
WHEN & WHAT ARE THEY DOING?
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)
Program Dates: 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)
Program Dates: 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)
Program Dates: 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)
Program Dates:
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)
Program Dates:
Session 1: June 15 – July 6
Session 2: July 13 – August 3
Promoting global conservation and environmental stewardship efforts by supporting community-led initiatives in rural regions of Colorado.
IN STUDENTS' 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 virtual ACE in Place experience:
- "The ACE experience for me was so meaningful and almost indescribable. I feel like this sounds dramatic for 3 weeks on a computer screen but the smile and joy that everyone in ACE made me feel made this experience so memorable. I wish it was longer than 3 weeks because I never wanted it to end with how well it was going and the fun I had. I hope to one day meet my fellow Coach for College coaches!" – Tatum Boyd, Stanford Softball, ACE in Place Vietnam Session II 2021
- "Ultimately I could not have imagined a better experience. There was no defining moment but more common theme that would constantly be present – anyone and everyone can do something. That something may be small but that something is impactful. And that impact only grows. Better understanding this impact and the passion that comes with it that is so infectious, I plan to act upon this knowledge. In finding passions and discovering truth, I plan on constantly spreading this information to do just the beginning of my part. Hopefully I can convey to others how important their parts are as well." – Alana Vawter, Stanford Softball, ACE in Place Thailand 2021
NOTES:
- 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
LEARN MORE:
- 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