Athletes Activating Champions & Empowerment Inc.
ACCE Program Overview
AACE creates an empowering and inclusive space where student-athletes serve as role models and mentors to young people from diverse backgrounds. Through mentorship and guidance, the program fosters resilience, self-esteem, and positive relationships. With a focus on mind-body wellness, AACE equips students with knowledge-sharing and practical tools to navigate life’s challenges, discover their potential, and pursue paths in academics, leadership, or community engagement. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach—we tailor the program to match the unique needs of each student, ensuring a personalized, transformative experience.
We plan, partner, and create partnerships with schools, organizations, and events—such as Fort Myers Middle Academy, United Way schools, DNA Athletics, the FGCU tennis team and lacrosse program, Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) basketball, tournaments, skill-building days, and summer programs—to amplify our impact. Collaborations with partners like Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) and more to come enhance these growth-oriented opportunities. The program blends coaching, peer counseling, and team-building activities to inspire lifelong learning.
Qualifications for Students and Schools
AACE is open and welcoming to students of all backgrounds, with no strict barriers to entry. The program is designed to be accepting and non-judgmental, prioritizing students who could benefit from confidence-building and self-discovery. Schools or community groups interested in participating should align with AACE’s purposeful mission of elevating youth and fostering character development. While no formal qualifications are required, a willingness to engage in transformative mentorship and well-being initiatives is key. Schools or programs serving underrepresented or underserved populations—like our partners at Fort Myers Middle Academy and United Way schools—are especially encouraged to connect, and we adapt to meet their specific needs.
What Mentees Receive and How Often
Mentees gain access to a supportive network of student-athlete mentors who provide uplifting advice, connection, and role modeling. They receive personalized guidance tailored to their individual needs, building self-affirming skills with resources focused on well-being and positive change. Through partnerships, mentees participate in skill-building days, tournaments, and summer programs, alongside one-on-one coaching sessions, group workshops, and interactive events emphasizing team building and leadership. The frequency depends on the program’s structure—typically, mentees engage with mentors weekly or biweekly during the school year, with additional pivotal events or check-ins as needed, including collaborations with FGCU and other partners. Each interaction is motivating, leaving students feeling valued and empowered to pursue their goals.
What Are We Trying to Solve?
Today’s students face a growing challenge: disconnection. Research shows that young people are spending more time alone, glued to phones and screens, and less time building meaningful relationships. A 2023 study from the American Psychological Association found that screen time among teens has surged, correlating with higher rates of loneliness and anxiety. Similarly, the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey highlights a decline in face-to-face social interaction, leaving students lacking connections that are critical for emotional and social growth.
At AACE, we’re tackling this head-on. Our goal is to create valuable opportunities for structured and supervised connections—safe, intentional spaces where students can step away from isolation, engage with caring mentors, and build community. Through our tailored programs and partnerships, we’re not just filling a gap; we’re sparking positive change that lasts.
Why AACE? It’s More Than Just Sports
AACE isn’t solely about sports—it’s about empowering young people to unlock their potential through mentorship, wellness, and community. We tap into the unique strengths of student-athletes, who bring lived experience in resilience, leadership, and teamwork, to inspire and guide students. But our mission goes beyond the field.
It’s about creating a liberating space where every student—regardless of their interests—can find purpose, build confidence, and connect with caring role models. Through transformative partnerships with Fort Myers Middle Academy, United Way schools, FGCU, and others, we offer skill-building days, summer programs, and coaching that address the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. AACE is a movement to elevate youth, using the energy of student-athletes as a catalyst for positive change, not just a playbook for sports.
Meet Our Mentors
Noah Moon
AACE founder
Dylan Moon
Board member
Asher Moon
Board member
Brock Catlin
Board Member
Gilliane Fort
Board Member
Juan Manuel Lopez
Board Member
Our Mentors
Join The Team
Get Involved With AACE!
Want to be a mentor or mentee? Interested in becoming our next partner? We’d love to connect! At AACE, we’re all about building new relationships and partnerships that make a difference—whether it’s with DNA Athletics, the FGCU tennis team or lacrosse program, FSW basketball, or you! Reach out to us at [email protected]—let’s talk about how we can work together to empower and elevate young people in our community.
Character Traits Developed Through AACE
Teamwork and Collaboration
Whether in a group workshop or a tournament, students learn to communicate and work together toward shared goals, forging lasting relationships.
Innovative Mindset
Rewire your thinking for growth and creativity. Learn powerful techniques to break mental barriers and turn visions into reality.
Life-Changing Lessons
Achievements big and small—like mastering a new skill or finding their voice—boost confidence, fueled by AACE’s supportive environment.
Success Stories
Through partnerships and activities, students explore new ideas and cultures, embracing an inclusive worldview.
Discipline and Responsibility
Structured activities—like skill-building days or regular check-ins—instill a sense of duty and accountability to themselves and their community.
Leadership
Taking initiative in a summer program or motivating a friend hones leadership skills that shine in any setting.
Life-Changing Lessons
Gain unlimited exclusive access to expert-led tutorials on personal growth, success strategies, and mindset mastery. Learn effortlessly anytime, anywhere.
Communication and Negotiation Skills
Interacting with mentors and peers sharpens communication, a skill AACE nurtures in every connection.
EMPOWERING YOUTH THROUGH SPORTS
Athletes Activating Champions & Empowerment (AACE) is
committed to enhancing the well-being of children by harnessing
the transformative potential of sports and fostering meaningful
connections.
Our mission centers on supporting vulnerable
students by cultivating character, fostering connections, and
encouraging engagement, thereby addressing disparities in
access and opportunities.
Scientific research underscores the detrimental effects of
excessive screen time on youth, leading to heightened levels of
loneliness and anxiety. Conversely, mentorship and sports-based
programs have a profound impact on self-esteem, social skills,
and resilience.
AACE collaborates with schools and local organizations to provide
sports events, workshops, and programs that strengthen social
bonds and promote overall well-being. Join us in empowering
youth through sports—contact us at [email protected].
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AACE is a student-led nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth through sports mentorship. Our mission is to introduce children to a diverse range of sports, fostering self-esteem, teamwork, and a sense of belonging. We aim to break down barriers that limit sports participation, promoting inclusivity and active lifestyles among all students.
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