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Appalachian Community of Education Scholars (ACES)

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ACES is a 4-year scholar program for future teachers focusing on mentoring, leadership, service, and professional development.

Appalachian Community of Education Scholars (ACES) is a program that promotes teacher leadership.  Members are active participants and leaders within the Appalachian Educators Club, in addition to a wide variety of campus activities. The ACES program provides a sense of camaraderie for future educators that promotes a passion for teaching. ACES students participate in service projects and unique professional development opportunties. 

 Apply

Students who are interested in the ACES program must APPLY during the first application deadline as a first-year student:

  1. Complete your Appalachian State University application by November 1. 
  2. After applying to Appalachian, complete your Application for Academic and Merit Scholarship Opportunities by November 15. Learn more.
    1. Be sure to select "ACES" when applying and complete the interest statement.
  3. Watch your email and your MyMountaineer portal for more information. 

When Will I Hear?

Students should hear an ACES admission decision no later than March 15. Selected students must commit to ACES by May 1.

Program Highlights

The First Year Experience

  • Easy move-in day at the Living Learning Center with the help of upperclassmen
  • First Year Retreat to build community before classes start
  • Mentor program to help with everything from getting books to discovering Boone & the High Country
  • Seminar on Teacher Leadership course

The Second Year Experience

  • Mentor incoming students
  • Visit schools in our nation's capitol, Washington D.C.

The Third Year Experience

  • Service day dedicated to helping schools in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools
  • Resume workshops

The Fourth Year Experience

  • Ocracoke Island Retreat for professional development enrichment at the North Carolina Center for the Advancement for Teaching (NCCAT)
  • Correspondance with a professional mentor

Program Requirements per Semester

First Year

  • Attend 2 Professional Development Seminars
  • Complete 10 hours of service
  • Attend 1 Outreach Event
  • Maintain a 2.5 or higher GPA

Second Year

  • Attend 2 Professional Develoment Seminars
  • Complete 5 hours of service
  • Maintain a 2.5 or higher GPA

Third Year

  • Attend 2 Professional Develoment Seminars
  • Complete 2 hours of service
  • Maintain a 2.5 or higher GPA

Fourth Year (Not Student Teaching)

  • Attend 2 Professional Develoment Seminars
  • Maintain a 2.5 or higher GPA

Have questions about the ACES program? Email Megan Kasper at kaspermm@appstate.edu.