The Rubenstein Student-Athlete Civic Engagement (ACE) Program is proud to enter its ninth year in 2024, with an enhanced focus on expanding opportunities, improving accessibility, and diversifying offerings for Duke student-athletes, particularly those in fall sports.
ACE continues to provide full funding for Duke student-athletes accepted into the program, allowing them to engage in immersive summer service experiences with international community partners. The program is made possible by the generous support of David Rubenstein, and one dollar of each Duke Athletics ticket contributes to funding the program as well.
Originally established as a partnership with Stanford Athletics, ACE will proceed this summer for Duke student-athletes exclusively, following Stanford’s decision to pause their involvement in the program. Since its inception in 2015, ACE alumni have dedicated over 20,450 service hours to communities and organizations worldwide, promoting cross-cultural understanding and development efforts.
“We are excited to kick off the ninth year of the Rubenstein Student-Athlete Civic Engagement (ACE) Program with a commitment to expanding opportunities for all our Duke student-athletes. This year, we are thrilled to introduce even more diverse and accessible opportunities, including a one-week May program. After successfully resuming international in-person programming last summer, ACE continues to provide transformational international experiences for our Duke student-athletes. We eagerly anticipate this next chapter in ACE programming.” – Emily Durham, ACE Program Director
ACE Summer 2024 Experience:
In Summer 2024, student-athletes can apply to one of three international programs in Costa Rica, South Africa, and a new one-week May program in Panama, with a focus on youth sports enrichment and environmental sustainability. Across the three programs, ACE participants will have the opportunity to engage in various service projects related to sustainable development, conservation, education and coaching, women’s empowerment, and more. For the first time in ACE’s history, a one-week option will be offered in early May, allowing more fall student-athletes to participate. During their ACE programs, participants will collaborate on team-based service projects, build relationships within the Duke Athletic community, and connect with international communities. Through their ACE experience, student-athletes will develop leadership, teamwork, and professional skills that they can bring back to their teams and prepare for life beyond Duke.
“The opportunities ACE brought me and the connections I was able to make throughout my time in Costa Rica are like no other. I am looking forward to seeing the new opportunities and experiences this next group of students will be exposed to and the impact they will have on the surrounding community.” Kelsey Zampa, Softball, ACE in Costa Rica 2023
ACE will begin accepting applications from Duke student-athletes on December 6, 2023.
2024 Summer Programs:
- *New for 2024* ACE in Panama
1 week: May 5 – May 13
Student-athletes will plan and facilitate an after-school sports camp for youth in rural Panamanian communities and participate in reforestation efforts to support wider educational and environmental sustainability goals.
- ACE in Costa Rica
2 weeks: June 16 – June 30
Student-athletes will contribute to the long-term management and conservation of Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge and working on conservation-focused projects with local community members in the Costa Rican village of Gandoca to promote wildlife and ecosystem conservation and sustainable resource use.
- ACE in South Africa
3 weeks: June 29 – July 20
Student-athletes will contribute to self-empowerment and sustainable development projects in communities around Cape Town through educational workshops and supporting local outreach and educational awareness programs.