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A.C.E. - Accepting the Challenge of Excellence Scholarship

Club Submittal must be into District by April 3rd

The A.C.E. (Accepting the Challenge of Excellence) Award recognizes high school students who have had to overcome great physical, emotional, or social obstacles and are now eligible for high school graduation.

This is a positive program with two key objectives: it helps encourage students to overcome their hardships and get back on track toward a high school diploma, and it recognizes those students who are often overlooked for their accomplishments. This special recognition serves as a powerful example to all students that hard work and perseverance are rewarded.

Additional instructions and criteria:

    1. Contact your local high school for a potential candidate for the award. A partial list of difficulties to overcome could include physical, language, child abuse, delinquency, and/or substance abuse.
    2. Ensure the candidate will graduate from high school this year, OR complete GED classes by the age of 19, and by the June 1 National Headquarters submission deadline.
    3. Obtain school official and parent/guardian signatures.
    4. Recognize the selected individual at an appropriate club meeting.
    5. If you plan to enter your candidate in the district competition, be sure the A.C.E. Award chairperson has the description narrative (500 words maximum) and the candidate’s two brief narratives (250 words maximum) before the deadline. The narratives should be submitted in an electronic format that the District Award chairperson can upload into the National application form.
    6. The district may use the same judging procedure as National Headquarters or determine its selection process.
    7. The district may select up to two of their winning candidates to submit to National Headquarters by June 1. You should advise the candidate(s) that they may be contacted by a representative of The National Exchange Club to obtain additional information for publicity purposes. 
    8. The submission deadline for the National A.C.E. Award is June 1 and the application must be submitted from the online form available in the Member Website.
    9. The winner will be presented the A.C.E. Award and a $15,000 scholarship at Exchange’s National Convention. Winners must be able to read thier essay and accept the award in person, during the scheduled event, and should be available and willing to attend the Convention from Wednesday through Sunday.  Travel accommodations will be provided to the winner and their parents/guardians.  (One double room and airfare for the winner and up to two guardians.) 
    10. The National scholarship of $15,000 is designed to assist with two years of schooling and expires three years from the date of the award. It will be paid in two (2) maximum increments of $7,500 each (one payment per year for the two years selected).
    11. The candidate should be prepared to submit a high-resolution (150 dpi minimum) digital (head and shoulders) photo upon confirmation of receiving the award.

ORDER YOUTH RECOGNITION MATERIALS

Tips for Introducing the A.C.E. Program to Your Club Board

If your Club hasn’t yet participated in the A.C.E. – Accepting the Challenge of Excellence Scholarship, here’s how to approach the conversation with your Board and gain support:

  1. Start with the “Why”

Explain the heart of the program:

    • The A.C.E. Award recognizes high school students who have overcome major personal challenges and still achieved academic and personal success.
    • It aligns with Exchange’s mission to inspire youth and strengthen communities.

“This program directly reflects our Club’s values—celebrating resilience, perseverance, and the potential in every young person.”

  1. Emphasize Local Impact

These are students in our community.

    • Many schools, especially continuation or alternative campuses, have students whose stories are never told or celebrated.
    • A.C.E. gives your Club the opportunity to uplift these often-overlooked youth.
  1. Reassure Them on Workload

The program is straightforward and flexible.

    • It doesn’t require a huge committee to be successful—just one motivated Chair and a small judging panel.
    • District resources, templates, and support are available to make it manageable.
  1. Start Small
    • Consider launching with just one school or selecting one recipient.
    • Offer a certificate and modest scholarship (whatever fits your Club’s current budget).
    • This can build enthusiasm and lay the foundation for future expansion.
  1. Highlight Positive Public Relations

The program offers excellent opportunities for community visibility:

    • Local news coverage
    • School partnerships
    • Social media content
    • Community goodwill
  1. Connect to Club Growth

Partnering with schools and showcasing impactful service can:

    • Attract new members
    • Boost engagement
    • Deepen relationships with youth organizations
  1. Propose a Trial Run
  • Suggest piloting the program for one school year and evaluating success.
  • Offer to lead or co-chair the effort.

Sample Pitch to the Board:

“I’d like to propose that our Club launch the A.C.E. Award this year. It’s a meaningful way to recognize students in our own community who have overcome great adversity. We can start small—with just one school and one recipient—and build from there. I’m happy to take the lead and work with the District to make it easy for us. It’s an inspiring program that can have a lasting impact—not only on the student, but on our Club.”

How to Start an A.C.E. Award Program at Your Club

The A.C.E. Award honors high school students who have overcome adversity and turned their lives around. It is one of Exchange’s most meaningful programs—changing lives and recognizing resilience. Here’s how your Club can get started:

Helpful Reminders:

  • Set a budget early (consider funds for scholarships, plaques, and luncheon costs).
  • Start planning in fall or early winter to stay on track for spring submissions.

Suggested Scholarship Award Ranges for Clubs with Modest Budgets

Level:  $100 – $250

  • Great for first-time participation or small Clubs.
  • Pair with a certificate, plaque, and recognition at a Club meeting or school event.

Tip: Emphasize that the honor and visibility often mean more than the dollar amount.

Level: $300 – $500

  • A strong mid-range option.
  • Shows meaningful support toward books, supplies, or college application fees.
  • Consider seeking a community sponsor to help fund the award.

Level: $750 – $1,000

  • Considered a generous local award and still achievable for many Clubs.
  • If your Club hosts a fundraiser or receives donations, this is a great target.
  • Can be split among two winners or used to recognize a winner and runner-up.

Suggestions on Recognizing A.C.E. Honorees Without a Monetary Award

  1. Personalized Plaque or Trophy
  • Present a custom plaque, trophy, or framed certificate with the student’s name and story of perseverance.
  • Add your Club name and year to make it a lasting keepsake.
  1. Host a Recognition Luncheon or Ceremony
  • Invite the honoree to be celebrated at a Club meeting or special event.
  • Include:
    • A student speaker moment (if they’re comfortable)
    • A tribute from their school counselor or teacher
    • Public applause and Club member interaction

Tip: Invite family members, school staff, and local media if appropriate.

  1. Feature the Honoree Publicly
  • Write a short feature or press release about the student’s achievements and distribute it to:
    • Local newspapers
    • School newsletters
    • Club website/social media

This gives the student visibility and builds their confidence and community pride.

  1. Present a Certificate of Excellence
  • Use high-quality paper, a presentation folder, and a formal layout.
  • Include:
    • The student’s name
    • Their school
    • A brief description of the A.C.E. Award
    • Signatures from Club leadership
  1. Give a Symbolic or Inspirational Gift
  • A meaningful book (with an inscription)
  • A journal and pen
  • A framed quote or inspiration piece

 

These thoughtful gifts reinforce the message that their story matters.

  1. Photo & Keepsake Moment
  • Take a professional photo of the honoree receiving their award.
  • Frame the photo and send it to the student and their family.
  1. Notify School Leadership
  • Send a letter to the honoree’s school principal or district office.
  • Encourage them to acknowledge the student during a school announcement or awards event.
  1. Personal Messages from Club Members
  • Have Club members write short notes of encouragement in a card or keepsake book. These heartfelt messages can be incredibly meaningful.

Even without money, what the A.C.E. Award offers is recognition, dignity, and belief in a student’s future—and that’s priceless.

Creative Funding Ideas

  • Partner with local businesses to co-sponsor the award.
  • Dedicate a meeting “pass-the-hat” collection to support the scholarship.
  • Use budget lines from other programs or Club reserves for youth recognition.
  • Seek in-kind donations: a laptop, bookstore gift card, or dorm supplies can replace or supplement a cash award.

Don’t let a small budget stop your Club from participating! Even a non-cash award with strong recognition (framed certificate, spotlight in local media, school assembly, etc.) can have a big impact on a student’s confidence and future.

Step by step Guide to Starting the A.C.E. Program

Step 1: Appoint an A.C.E. Chair

  • Designate a dedicated Club member to lead the program.
  • The Chair will oversee coordination with schools, promotion, application collection, judging, and recognition.

Step 2: Connect with Local High Schools

  • Reach out to school counselors, principals, or alternative education program coordinators at your local high schools.
  • Explain the A.C.E. Award’s purpose: to honor students who have dramatically improved their attitudes, behaviors, and academic performance despite personal obstacles.

Step 3: Share A.C.E. Materials

  • Provide schools with:
    • Counselor Instructions
    • A.C.E. Student Application Packet
    • Award criteria
    • Deadline for submissions
  • Suggest they nominate 1–3 deserving students per school.

Tip: Use the official A.C.E. Program materials from the National Exchange Club website or request a template from your District Youth Chair.

Step 4: Set Deadlines and Review Panel

  • Establish clear deadlines (allow 4–6 weeks for schools to submit applications).
  • Assemble a small panel of judges (3–5 members) to review applications using a scoring rubric.
  • Consider blind reviews to ensure fairness.

Step 5: Select and Notify the Winner(s)

  • Choose one outstanding student (or multiple, if your Club budget allows).
  • Notify the winner(s) and their families.
  • Inform the school and request a photo and permission to publicly recognize the student.

Step 6: Plan a Recognition Event

  • Host a luncheon, school assembly, or special Club meeting to celebrate the winner.
  • Invite the student, family, school staff, and local media.
  • Present a certificate, plaque, and scholarship check (if applicable).

Step 7: Submit the Winner to District/National

  • If your Club winner qualifies, submit their application to your District Youth Chair by the District deadline (usually early spring).
  • District winners are eligible for a scholarship and may advance to Nationals for a $15,000 award.

 Step 8: Share the Impact

  • Promote the award on your Club’s website, social media, and newsletter.
  • Share the student’s story (with permission) to inspire your community.

Please review the following key points to ensure a smooth and successful scholarship process:

  1. Distribution of Scholarship Information
    1. The Exchange Club in your area will determine with you the correct number of nominations for your school.
    2. Identify eligible students and provide them with an updated application and instructions.
    3. Be sure to indicate your submission deadline.
    4. Guide the student in completing the application accurately and in a timely manner.
    5. Make sure you have a separate PDF for each Student application.
  2. Verification and Graduation Certification
    1. Provide a Counselor’s Narrative | SECTION 1 of the Application for each student.
      1. Not to exceed 500 words.
      2. Describe in detail the students’ challenge, how they overcame it, and the student’s outlook for the future.
      3. This narrative must be typewritten.
    2. Certify that the student is eligible to graduate from high school this year.
    3. Please ensure each student application includes the signatures of school officials and parents/
      guardians.
    4. Note: Emphasize how the student overcame their challenges and their outlook for the future. Judges rely on the counselor’s narrative to gain a deeper understanding of the student’s circumstances.
  3. Monitoring and Support
    1. Monitor the progress of the student you’ve nominated for the award to ensure a timely submission.
  4. Submission Instructions
    1. Only on-time applications will be accepted.
    2. Students submit their application online or Email to include PDF.
    3. All Fields are Required.
  5. Important Dates
    1. All Student Applications via Email (including PDF) or electronic form must have been submitted to the Club for consideration by: _________.
    2. District A.C.E. event with time provided by your Club chairperson.

Dear [Counselor’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well! We’re excited to announce that the materials for this year’s Accepting the Challenge of Excellence (ACE) Award program are now available. The ACE Award is designed to recognize high school students who have demonstrated a significant turnaround in attitude and academic performance, often overcoming personal challenges along the way.

What’s Included:

  • Counselor’s Packet: Comprehensive information about the award, eligibility criteria, and guidelines for the application process.
  • Student Nomination Form: Students and those nominating them for the award must complete this form.

How to Access the Materials: [Insert Link to Counselor’s Packet] and [Insert Link to Student Nomination Form]

We kindly ask that you share this information with students you believe would be great candidates for the ACE Award. It’s a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge their hard work and perseverance.

Important Deadline:
Please note that all submissions must be received by March 14, 2025.

We deeply appreciate your support in honoring these remarkable students. If you have any questions or need additional information, Please feel free to contact us.

Thank you for your continued dedication to your students’ success!

Best regards,

[Your Full Name]
[Your Title/Club Name]
[Your Contact Information]

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A.C.E. – Accepting the Challenge of Excellence Scholarship
District Nomination Form

2026

NOTE: This Electronic Form is for Exchange Clubs to submit their Local Club Winners Only.

Deadline for submission is April 4th

ONE ELECTRONIC FORM PER INDIVIDUAL FINALIST

Incomplete submissions will not be considered.

Submitter's Name(Required)

Exchange Club President Name(Required)
Student Name(Required)
MM slash DD slash YYYY
Gender

Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 25 MB.
Application Certification(Required)
I certify that this candidate has been chosen and approved by the board of directors of this Exchange Club as the A.C.E. from a pool of at least three (3) applicants received during the current administrative year. This selection adheres strictly to the rules and regulations of the A.C.E. program as outlined by The National Exchange Club.
National Travel Certification(Required)
I verify that if this student nominee is designated a winner, they will be able to accept the award in person, during the scheduled event, and are available and willing to attend the Convention from Wednesday through Sunday.
Sponsor Certification(Required)
If the entry is designated a winner, the following Exchange Club member from the sponsoring district will be responsible for the student’s attendance at Exchange’s National Convention.
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Final Thoughts

District Scholarship winners must attend the award ceremony in person at the District Convention.

The final scholarship recipient must provide a high-resolution digital photo (minimum 150 dpi). Note that photos submitted to The National Exchange Club will not be returned.

All further communication regarding this application will be directed to the Exchange Club member listed on the application, unless otherwise specified to The National Exchange Club.

By submitting this application, you confirm that all nominations and information provided are accurate and comply with the rules and regulations of The National Exchange Club.

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