Learning Can’t Wait

THE TIME IS NOW

For Chris Wright and Scott Reiman, Co-Chairmen of the ACE Board of Trustees, the time is now to set an audacious goal in Colorado.

“We are proud of what ACE has accomplished to date. Over the past 17 years, ACE has provided over 19,000 scholarships worth more than $42 million, and has partnered with 149 schools throughout Colorado. These scholarships have proven to be a strong investment in Colorado’s future,” says Reiman.

A STRONG INVESTMENT, INDEED

A strong investment indeed. ACE scholarship recipients are nearly twice as likely to graduate from high school and attend college. In fact, the ACE class of 2017 had a 100% high school graduation rate. What’s more, ACE scholars achieved an 81% college graduation rate, compared to 21% of their low-income peers.

However, we know there is more to be done. There are more than 380,000 low-income students in Colorado, and nearly 10,500 quality seats remain empty at ACE’s partner schools today, waiting to be filled with deserving children.

ANNOUNCING: “LEARNING CAN’T WAIT” 2020 CAMPAIGN

For these kids, learning can’t wait. To that end, we are excited to announce ACE’s “Learning Can’t Wait” 2020 Campaign, which will ensure it doesn’t have to for 1,000 more Colorado students.

Wright sums it up: “Our goal is to enable 3,000 children to attend the school of their choice by 2020. This 50% increase in scholarships will provide immediate relief to children who simply cannot continue to wait decades for positive change.”

INSPIRED BY STUDENTS

Wright and Reiman are excited to lead this effort. It is the stories of students and families that fuels them.

Click here to hear from one such student, Aluel Doldol, an ACE alum who spoke recently at an event hosted by Reiman and Wright. Born in South Sudan during conflict and war, Aluel’s family was forced to escape and live in a refugee camp until finally finding asylum in Denver. By fate, she received an ACE scholarship and now she stands as living proof that with opportunity comes limitless success.

Reiman shares, “Stories like Aluel’s serve as an incredible reminder of the long-term effects that an investment in ACE is having. It’s measurable, the impact we are having through ACE in the lives changed.”

“Investing in Aluel, and all ACE scholars, represents a belief in the potential of all children,” Reiman adds. “We’re seeing time and time again that a scholarship is the key to unlocking that potential. All children are capable of leaving a positive imprint on our communities, and Aluel is just one example of the lasting mark ACE is having on the world.”

IMPACT EXTENDS BEYOND CLASSROOM WALLS

Wright is equally inspired by our scholars and also has forged a relationship with the Doldol family. Aluel’s brother, Dau, interned at Wright’s company, Liberty Oilfield Services, last summer, and Wright remains an advocate and advisor to Dau as he is completing his education at American University.

“Providing students with the ability to go the school of their choice is a life-changing experience for the child as well as the family. The results extend well beyond the walls of the classroom, and I’ve been thrilled to engage ACE scholars like Dau at my company,” says Wright.

“I have seen the impact firsthand,” adds Wright. “An ACE scholarship sets children up for success in high school, college, a career and ultimately, for life.”

IGNITING A RIPPLE EFFECT

The Doldol siblings serve as a testament to the multi-generational influence of an ACE scholarship: ACE not only positively affects individual lives, but entire families and our community at large.

With Wright and Reiman at the helm, together, we can create a long-lasting, positive ripple effect through school choice.