A Belief That Every Child Deserves a Chance

ACE Scholarships was born from one simple but radical idea: that where you’re born should never dictate your future.

The ACE Origin

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It started with a bold idea in Colorado.

The image shows a full side‑profile view of a traditional yellow school bus displayed on a transparent checkerboard background, indicating no solid backdrop. The bus faces left and stretches horizontally across most of the frame. Visible details include the rounded front hood, large black front and rear tires, extended side mirrors, and a dark glass folding door located near the front. A row of evenly spaced rectangular windows runs along the length of the bus above two black horizontal safety stripes. The roof is slightly curved, and the body is a bright, uniform school‑bus yellow with clean, well‑defined edges.

2000

ACE founded in Colorado to give lower-income families access to school choice. It was founded by Alex Cranberg, Charlie Gallagher, Ed McVaney, Ralph Nagel, John Seaman, and John Walton.

Loren Koszowski is one of the first ACE Scholars to receive an ACE scholarship. Today she is a founder of Spruce Community school in Colorado Springs, an ACE partner school.

The image shows a flat, graphic logo design on a transparent checkerboard background in the shape of the U.S. state of Montana. The entire state silhouette is filled with a bright, solid yellow color. Centered within the shape is the ACE Montana branding. On the left side of the text is a black pencil icon with a sharpened point at the top and a small notch detail near the tip. To the right of the icon, bold black uppercase letters spell “ACE”, with a thin horizontal line beneath it. Below the line, smaller black uppercase text reads “MONTANA.” The composition is clean and minimal, with strong contrast between the yellow background and black logo elements, clearly emphasizing the regional identity and branding.
The image shows a flat, graphic logo design on a transparent checkerboard background in the shape of the U.S. state of Montana. The entire state silhouette is filled with a bright, solid yellow color. Centered within the shape is the ACE Montana branding. On the left side of the text is a black pencil icon with a sharpened point at the top and a small notch detail near the tip. To the right of the icon, bold black uppercase letters spell “ACE”, with a thin horizontal line beneath it. Below the line, smaller black uppercase text reads “MONTANA.” The composition is clean and minimal, with strong contrast between the yellow background and black logo elements, clearly emphasizing the regional identity and branding.

2012

Montana founded by Greg and Susan Gianforte

The image shows a flat, graphic logo displayed on a transparent checkerboard background in the shape of the U.S. state of Kansas. The full state silhouette is filled with a solid, bright yellow color. Centered within the shape is the ACE Kansas branding. On the left side of the text is a vertical black pencil icon with a sharpened tip at the top and a small notch detail. To the right, bold black uppercase letters spell “ACE,” with a thin horizontal line beneath. Below the line, smaller black uppercase text reads “KANSAS.” The design is clean, high‑contrast, and strongly emphasizes statewide identity and educational branding.
The image shows a flat, graphic logo displayed on a transparent checkerboard background in the shape of the U.S. state of Kansas. The full state silhouette is filled with a solid, bright yellow color. Centered within the shape is the ACE Kansas branding. On the left side of the text is a vertical black pencil icon with a sharpened tip at the top and a small notch detail. To the right, bold black uppercase letters spell “ACE,” with a thin horizontal line beneath. Below the line, smaller black uppercase text reads “KANSAS.” The design is clean, high‑contrast, and strongly emphasizes statewide identity and educational branding.

2015

Kansas founded by Redbud Foundation

The image shows a flat, graphic logo displayed on a transparent checkerboard background in the shape of the U.S. state of Texas. The entire state silhouette is filled with a solid, bright yellow color. Centered within the shape is the ACE Texas branding. On the left side of the text is a vertical black pencil icon with a sharpened tip at the top and a small notch detail near the point. To the right of the icon, bold black uppercase letters spell “ACE,” with a thin horizontal line beneath. Below the line, smaller black uppercase text reads “TEXAS.” The design is clean and high‑contrast, clearly emphasizing statewide identity and organizational branding.
The image shows a flat, graphic logo displayed on a transparent checkerboard background in the shape of the U.S. state of Texas. The entire state silhouette is filled with a solid, bright yellow color. Centered within the shape is the ACE Texas branding. On the left side of the text is a vertical black pencil icon with a sharpened tip at the top and a small notch detail near the point. To the right of the icon, bold black uppercase letters spell “ACE,” with a thin horizontal line beneath. Below the line, smaller black uppercase text reads “TEXAS.” The design is clean and high‑contrast, clearly emphasizing statewide identity and organizational branding.

2017

Texas founded by Cathy and Alex Cranberg as a part of the Stand Together partnership.

Missouri founded as a part of the Stand Together partnership.

The image shows a realistic, three‑dimensional rendering of a judge’s gavel and sound block on a transparent checkerboard background. The gavel rests diagonally across the round base, with the handle extending toward the right side of the frame. Both the gavel head and base are finished in a glossy, dark, almost black material with smooth reflective surfaces. A wide metallic gold band wraps around the center of the gavel head, and a thin gold ring accents the base. The lighting highlights polished edges and curved contours, giving the object a formal, authoritative appearance commonly associated with law, justice, or decision‑making.
The image shows a realistic, three‑dimensional rendering of a judge’s gavel and sound block on a transparent checkerboard background. The gavel rests diagonally across the round base, with the handle extending toward the right side of the frame. Both the gavel head and base are finished in a glossy, dark, almost black material with smooth reflective surfaces. A wide metallic gold band wraps around the center of the gavel head, and a thin gold ring accents the base. The lighting highlights polished edges and curved contours, giving the object a formal, authoritative appearance commonly associated with law, justice, or decision‑making.

2020

ACE entered national policy work in 2020 with its role in Espinoza v. Montana. Since then, it has worked with families, lawmakers, and partners to expand educational freedom—helping advance ESAs in Louisiana and Texas. Today, ACE continues to champion school choice and protect every family’s right to choose the education that fits them best.

The image shows a flat, graphic logo displayed on a transparent checkerboard background in the shape of the U.S. state of Mississippi. The entire state silhouette is filled with a solid, bright yellow color. Positioned near the lower center of the shape is the ACE Mississippi branding. On the left side of the text is a vertical black pencil icon with a sharpened tip and small notch details. To the right of the icon, bold black uppercase letters spell “ACE,” with a thin horizontal line beneath. Below the line, smaller black uppercase text reads “MISSISSIPPI.” The design is clean, high‑contrast, and clearly emphasizes statewide identity and educational branding.
The image shows a flat, graphic logo displayed on a transparent checkerboard background in the shape of the U.S. state of Mississippi. The entire state silhouette is filled with a solid, bright yellow color. Positioned near the lower center of the shape is the ACE Mississippi branding. On the left side of the text is a vertical black pencil icon with a sharpened tip and small notch details. To the right of the icon, bold black uppercase letters spell “ACE,” with a thin horizontal line beneath. Below the line, smaller black uppercase text reads “MISSISSIPPI.” The design is clean, high‑contrast, and clearly emphasizes statewide identity and educational branding.

2023

Mississippi founded by Matt Stuller, Boysie Bollinger, Dr. William “Kip” Schumacher.

DelMarVa founded by an anonymous donor.

The image shows a circular, badge‑style anniversary emblem displayed on a transparent checkerboard background. The badge is filled with a rich golden yellow color and outlined with multiple black concentric rings, including a wavy decorative border near the outer edge. Curved uppercase text around the circle reads “CHANGING EDUCATION” at the top and “CHANGES EVERYTHING” at the bottom. At the center, a large outlined number “25” dominates the design. Beneath the number is a small ACE Scholarships logo with a pencil icon. On the left side of the inner ring is the text “EST.” and on the right is “‘00,” indicating a founding year. The overall design feels celebratory, formal, and commemorative.

2026

For over 25 years, ACE has championed educational freedom, delivering over 121,000+ scholarships totaling over $395,000,000. And we are just getting started.

The image shows a vertical yellow graphic on a transparent checkerboard background. A thick yellow line runs straight downward from top to bottom. Along the line are several evenly spaced circular markers outlined in yellow with white centers. At the bottom, the line ends in a solid yellow arrowhead pointing downward. The design resembles a vertical timeline, pathway, or step‑by‑step progression indicator, emphasizing downward movement or sequence.
The image shows a single person standing indoors against a transparent checkerboard background, presenting a cleanly cut‑out composite design. The person stands upright and slightly angled toward the camera, wearing a textured dark blazer over a light collared shirt and tailored trousers. One hand rests near the side while the other supports a very large, vertical yellow pencil positioned on the right side of the body. The pencil extends from the floor to well above head height and includes green metal bands near the top and a sharpened white and wooden tip at the bottom. Printed vertically along the pencil in black text are the words “PROOF ACE SCHOLARSHIPS WORKS!” Behind the person and pencil is a hand‑drawn, chalk‑like yellow burst shape, radiating outward and adding emphasis and depth to the composition.

2001

Norton Rainey, current ACE CEO, comes on staff at ACE Scholarships.

The image shows a flat, graphic logo design on a transparent checkerboard background in the shape of the U.S. state of Louisiana. The state silhouette is filled with a solid, bright yellow color. Centered within the shape is the ACE Louisiana branding. On the left side of the text is a vertical black pencil icon with a sharpened tip at the top and a small notch detail near the point. To the right of the icon, bold black uppercase letters spell “ACE”, with a thin horizontal line beneath. Below the line, smaller black uppercase text reads “LOUISIANA.” The design is clean and minimal, using strong contrast between the yellow state shape and black logo elements to emphasize regional identity and branding.
The image shows a flat, graphic logo design on a transparent checkerboard background in the shape of the U.S. state of Louisiana. The state silhouette is filled with a solid, bright yellow color. Centered within the shape is the ACE Louisiana branding. On the left side of the text is a vertical black pencil icon with a sharpened tip at the top and a small notch detail near the point. To the right of the icon, bold black uppercase letters spell “ACE”, with a thin horizontal line beneath. Below the line, smaller black uppercase text reads “LOUISIANA.” The design is clean and minimal, using strong contrast between the yellow state shape and black logo elements to emphasize regional identity and branding.

2014

Louisiana founded by Eddie Rispone

The image shows a flat, graphic logo displayed on a transparent checkerboard background in the shape of the U.S. state of Wyoming. The entire state silhouette is filled with a solid, bright yellow color. Centered within the shape is the ACE Wyoming branding. On the left side of the text is a vertical black pencil icon with a sharpened tip at the top and a small notch detail near the point. To the right of the icon, bold black uppercase letters spell “ACE,” with a thin horizontal line beneath. Below the line, smaller black uppercase text reads “WYOMING.” The design is clean, high‑contrast, and emphasizes statewide identity and educational branding.
The image shows a flat, graphic logo displayed on a transparent checkerboard background in the shape of the U.S. state of Wyoming. The entire state silhouette is filled with a solid, bright yellow color. Centered within the shape is the ACE Wyoming branding. On the left side of the text is a vertical black pencil icon with a sharpened tip at the top and a small notch detail near the point. To the right of the icon, bold black uppercase letters spell “ACE,” with a thin horizontal line beneath. Below the line, smaller black uppercase text reads “WYOMING.” The design is clean, high‑contrast, and emphasizes statewide identity and educational branding.

2016

Wyoming established by the True Family as a part of the Stand Together partnership

The image shows a flat, graphic logo displayed on a transparent checkerboard background in the shape of the U.S. state of Arkansas. The full state silhouette is filled with a solid, bright yellow color. Centered within the shape is the ACE Arkansas branding. On the left side of the text is a vertical black pencil icon with a sharpened tip at the top and a small notch detail. To the right of the icon, bold black uppercase letters spell “ACE,” with a thin horizontal line beneath. Below the line, smaller black uppercase text reads “ARKANSAS.” The design is clean and high‑contrast, clearly emphasizing statewide identity and educational branding.
The image shows a flat, graphic logo displayed on a transparent checkerboard background in the shape of the U.S. state of Arkansas. The full state silhouette is filled with a solid, bright yellow color. Centered within the shape is the ACE Arkansas branding. On the left side of the text is a vertical black pencil icon with a sharpened tip at the top and a small notch detail. To the right of the icon, bold black uppercase letters spell “ACE,” with a thin horizontal line beneath. Below the line, smaller black uppercase text reads “ARKANSAS.” The design is clean and high‑contrast, clearly emphasizing statewide identity and educational branding.

2018

Arkansas anonymously founded as a part of the Stand Together partnership.

The image shows a flat, graphic logo displayed on a transparent checkerboard background in the shape of the U.S. state of New Mexico. The entire state silhouette is filled with a solid, bright yellow color. Centered within the shape is the ACE New Mexico branding. On the left side of the text is a vertical black pencil icon with a sharpened tip and a small notch detail. To the right, bold black uppercase letters spell “ACE,” with a thin horizontal line beneath. Below the line, smaller black uppercase text reads “NEW MEXICO.” The design is clean and high‑contrast, clearly emphasizing statewide identity and educational branding.
The image shows a flat, graphic logo displayed on a transparent checkerboard background in the shape of the U.S. state of New Mexico. The entire state silhouette is filled with a solid, bright yellow color. Centered within the shape is the ACE New Mexico branding. On the left side of the text is a vertical black pencil icon with a sharpened tip and a small notch detail. To the right, bold black uppercase letters spell “ACE,” with a thin horizontal line beneath. Below the line, smaller black uppercase text reads “NEW MEXICO.” The design is clean and high‑contrast, clearly emphasizing statewide identity and educational branding.

2022

New Mexico and Utah founded by the Daniels Fund

The image shows a flat, graphic logo on a white background associated with ACE Hawaii. On the right side are the Hawaiian Islands depicted as simplified, irregular land shapes filled in a solid golden‑yellow color. On the left, bold black uppercase letters spell “ACE”, with a stylized black pencil icon forming part of the design. Beneath “ACE,” a thin horizontal black line separates the main text from smaller uppercase text reading “HAWAII.” The layout is clean and minimal, using strong contrast between black text and yellow island shapes to emphasize regional identity and branding
The image shows a flat, graphic logo on a white background associated with ACE Hawaii. On the right side are the Hawaiian Islands depicted as simplified, irregular land shapes filled in a solid golden‑yellow color. On the left, bold black uppercase letters spell “ACE”, with a stylized black pencil icon forming part of the design. Beneath “ACE,” a thin horizontal black line separates the main text from smaller uppercase text reading “HAWAII.” The layout is clean and minimal, using strong contrast between black text and yellow island shapes to emphasize regional identity and branding

2025

Hawaii founded by Ed and Kathy Bernau.

The ACE Origin

yellow line horizontal

It started with a bold idea in Colorado.

The image shows a full side‑profile view of a traditional yellow school bus displayed on a transparent checkerboard background, indicating no solid backdrop. The bus faces left and stretches horizontally across most of the frame. Visible details include the rounded front hood, large black front and rear tires, extended side mirrors, and a dark glass folding door located near the front. A row of evenly spaced rectangular windows runs along the length of the bus above two black horizontal safety stripes. The roof is slightly curved, and the body is a bright, uniform school‑bus yellow with clean, well‑defined edges.

2000

ACE founded in Colorado to give lower-income families access to school choice. It was founded by Alex Cranberg, Charlie Gallagher, Ed McVaney, John Seaman, John Walton.

Loren Koszowski is one of the first ACE Scholars to receive an ACE scholarship. Today she is a founder of Spruce Community school in Colorado Springs, an ACE partner school.

The image shows a flat, graphic logo design on a transparent checkerboard background in the shape of the U.S. state of Montana. The entire state silhouette is filled with a bright, solid yellow color. Centered within the shape is the ACE Montana branding. On the left side of the text is a black pencil icon with a sharpened point at the top and a small notch detail near the tip. To the right of the icon, bold black uppercase letters spell “ACE”, with a thin horizontal line beneath it. Below the line, smaller black uppercase text reads “MONTANA.” The composition is clean and minimal, with strong contrast between the yellow background and black logo elements, clearly emphasizing the regional identity and branding.
The image shows a single person standing indoors against a transparent checkerboard background, presenting a cleanly cut‑out composite design. The person stands upright and slightly angled toward the camera, wearing a textured dark blazer over a light collared shirt and tailored trousers. One hand rests near the side while the other supports a very large, vertical yellow pencil positioned on the right side of the body. The pencil extends from the floor to well above head height and includes green metal bands near the top and a sharpened white and wooden tip at the bottom. Printed vertically along the pencil in black text are the words “PROOF ACE SCHOLARSHIPS WORKS!” Behind the person and pencil is a hand‑drawn, chalk‑like yellow burst shape, radiating outward and adding emphasis and depth to the composition.

2001

Norton Rainey, current ACE CEO, comes on staff at ACE Scholarships.

The image shows a flat, graphic logo design on a transparent checkerboard background in the shape of the U.S. state of Montana. The entire state silhouette is filled with a bright, solid yellow color. Centered within the shape is the ACE Montana branding. On the left side of the text is a black pencil icon with a sharpened point at the top and a small notch detail near the tip. To the right of the icon, bold black uppercase letters spell “ACE”, with a thin horizontal line beneath it. Below the line, smaller black uppercase text reads “MONTANA.” The composition is clean and minimal, with strong contrast between the yellow background and black logo elements, clearly emphasizing the regional identity and branding.

2012

Montana founded by Greg and Susan Gianforte

The image shows a flat, graphic logo displayed on a transparent checkerboard background in the shape of the U.S. state of Kansas. The full state silhouette is filled with a solid, bright yellow color. Centered within the shape is the ACE Kansas branding. On the left side of the text is a vertical black pencil icon with a sharpened tip at the top and a small notch detail. To the right, bold black uppercase letters spell “ACE,” with a thin horizontal line beneath. Below the line, smaller black uppercase text reads “KANSAS.” The design is clean, high‑contrast, and strongly emphasizes statewide identity and educational branding.
The image shows a flat, graphic logo design on a transparent checkerboard background in the shape of the U.S. state of Louisiana. The state silhouette is filled with a solid, bright yellow color. Centered within the shape is the ACE Louisiana branding. On the left side of the text is a vertical black pencil icon with a sharpened tip at the top and a small notch detail near the point. To the right of the icon, bold black uppercase letters spell “ACE”, with a thin horizontal line beneath. Below the line, smaller black uppercase text reads “LOUISIANA.” The design is clean and minimal, using strong contrast between the yellow state shape and black logo elements to emphasize regional identity and branding.

2014

Louisiana founded by Eddie Rispone

The image shows a flat, graphic logo displayed on a transparent checkerboard background in the shape of the U.S. state of Kansas. The full state silhouette is filled with a solid, bright yellow color. Centered within the shape is the ACE Kansas branding. On the left side of the text is a vertical black pencil icon with a sharpened tip at the top and a small notch detail. To the right, bold black uppercase letters spell “ACE,” with a thin horizontal line beneath. Below the line, smaller black uppercase text reads “KANSAS.” The design is clean, high‑contrast, and strongly emphasizes statewide identity and educational branding.

2015

Kansas founded by Redbud Foundation

The image shows a flat, graphic logo displayed on a transparent checkerboard background in the shape of the U.S. state of Texas. The entire state silhouette is filled with a solid, bright yellow color. Centered within the shape is the ACE Texas branding. On the left side of the text is a vertical black pencil icon with a sharpened tip at the top and a small notch detail near the point. To the right of the icon, bold black uppercase letters spell “ACE,” with a thin horizontal line beneath. Below the line, smaller black uppercase text reads “TEXAS.” The design is clean and high‑contrast, clearly emphasizing statewide identity and organizational branding.
The image shows a flat, graphic logo displayed on a transparent checkerboard background in the shape of the U.S. state of Wyoming. The entire state silhouette is filled with a solid, bright yellow color. Centered within the shape is the ACE Wyoming branding. On the left side of the text is a vertical black pencil icon with a sharpened tip at the top and a small notch detail near the point. To the right of the icon, bold black uppercase letters spell “ACE,” with a thin horizontal line beneath. Below the line, smaller black uppercase text reads “WYOMING.” The design is clean, high‑contrast, and emphasizes statewide identity and educational branding.

2016

Wyoming established by the True Family as a part of the Stand Together partnership

The image shows a flat, graphic logo displayed on a transparent checkerboard background in the shape of the U.S. state of Texas. The entire state silhouette is filled with a solid, bright yellow color. Centered within the shape is the ACE Texas branding. On the left side of the text is a vertical black pencil icon with a sharpened tip at the top and a small notch detail near the point. To the right of the icon, bold black uppercase letters spell “ACE,” with a thin horizontal line beneath. Below the line, smaller black uppercase text reads “TEXAS.” The design is clean and high‑contrast, clearly emphasizing statewide identity and organizational branding.

2017

Texas founded by Cathy and Alex Cranberg as a part of the Stand Together partnership.

Missouri founded as a part of the Stand Together partnership.

The image shows a realistic, three‑dimensional rendering of a judge’s gavel and sound block on a transparent checkerboard background. The gavel rests diagonally across the round base, with the handle extending toward the right side of the frame. Both the gavel head and base are finished in a glossy, dark, almost black material with smooth reflective surfaces. A wide metallic gold band wraps around the center of the gavel head, and a thin gold ring accents the base. The lighting highlights polished edges and curved contours, giving the object a formal, authoritative appearance commonly associated with law, justice, or decision‑making.
The image shows a flat, graphic logo displayed on a transparent checkerboard background in the shape of the U.S. state of Arkansas. The full state silhouette is filled with a solid, bright yellow color. Centered within the shape is the ACE Arkansas branding. On the left side of the text is a vertical black pencil icon with a sharpened tip at the top and a small notch detail. To the right of the icon, bold black uppercase letters spell “ACE,” with a thin horizontal line beneath. Below the line, smaller black uppercase text reads “ARKANSAS.” The design is clean and high‑contrast, clearly emphasizing statewide identity and educational branding.

2018

Arkansas anonymously founded as a part of the Stand Together partnership.

The image shows a realistic, three‑dimensional rendering of a judge’s gavel and sound block on a transparent checkerboard background. The gavel rests diagonally across the round base, with the handle extending toward the right side of the frame. Both the gavel head and base are finished in a glossy, dark, almost black material with smooth reflective surfaces. A wide metallic gold band wraps around the center of the gavel head, and a thin gold ring accents the base. The lighting highlights polished edges and curved contours, giving the object a formal, authoritative appearance commonly associated with law, justice, or decision‑making.

2020

ACE entered national policy work in 2020 with its role in Espinoza v. Montana. Since then, it has worked with families, lawmakers, and partners to expand educational freedom—helping advance ESAs in Louisiana and Texas. Today, ACE continues to champion school choice and protect every family’s right to choose the education that fits them best.

The image shows a flat, graphic logo displayed on a transparent checkerboard background in the shape of the U.S. state of Mississippi. The entire state silhouette is filled with a solid, bright yellow color. Positioned near the lower center of the shape is the ACE Mississippi branding. On the left side of the text is a vertical black pencil icon with a sharpened tip and small notch details. To the right of the icon, bold black uppercase letters spell “ACE,” with a thin horizontal line beneath. Below the line, smaller black uppercase text reads “MISSISSIPPI.” The design is clean, high‑contrast, and clearly emphasizes statewide identity and educational branding.
The image shows a flat, graphic logo displayed on a transparent checkerboard background in the shape of the U.S. state of New Mexico. The entire state silhouette is filled with a solid, bright yellow color. Centered within the shape is the ACE New Mexico branding. On the left side of the text is a vertical black pencil icon with a sharpened tip and a small notch detail. To the right, bold black uppercase letters spell “ACE,” with a thin horizontal line beneath. Below the line, smaller black uppercase text reads “NEW MEXICO.” The design is clean and high‑contrast, clearly emphasizing statewide identity and educational branding.

2022

New Mexico and Utah founded by the Daniels Fund

The image shows a flat, graphic logo displayed on a transparent checkerboard background in the shape of the U.S. state of Mississippi. The entire state silhouette is filled with a solid, bright yellow color. Positioned near the lower center of the shape is the ACE Mississippi branding. On the left side of the text is a vertical black pencil icon with a sharpened tip and small notch details. To the right of the icon, bold black uppercase letters spell “ACE,” with a thin horizontal line beneath. Below the line, smaller black uppercase text reads “MISSISSIPPI.” The design is clean, high‑contrast, and clearly emphasizes statewide identity and educational branding.

2023

Mississippi founded by Matt Stuller, Boysie Bollinger, Dr. William “Kip” Schumacher.

DelMarVa founded by an anonymous donor.

The image shows a flat, graphic logo on a white background associated with ACE Hawaii. On the right side are the Hawaiian Islands depicted as simplified, irregular land shapes filled in a solid golden‑yellow color. On the left, bold black uppercase letters spell “ACE”, with a stylized black pencil icon forming part of the design. Beneath “ACE,” a thin horizontal black line separates the main text from smaller uppercase text reading “HAWAII.” The layout is clean and minimal, using strong contrast between black text and yellow island shapes to emphasize regional identity and branding

2025

Hawaii founded by Ed and Kathy Bernau.

The image shows a circular, badge‑style anniversary emblem displayed on a transparent checkerboard background. The badge is filled with a rich golden yellow color and outlined with multiple black concentric rings, including a wavy decorative border near the outer edge. Curved uppercase text around the circle reads “CHANGING EDUCATION” at the top and “CHANGES EVERYTHING” at the bottom. At the center, a large outlined number “25” dominates the design. Beneath the number is a small ACE Scholarships logo with a pencil icon. On the left side of the inner ring is the text “EST.” and on the right is “‘00,” indicating a founding year. The overall design feels celebratory, formal, and commemorative.

2026

For over 25 years, ACE has championed educational freedom, delivering over 121,000+ scholarships totaling over $395,000,000. And we are just getting started.

The image shows a vertical yellow graphic on a transparent checkerboard background. A thick yellow line runs straight downward from top to bottom. Along the line are several evenly spaced circular markers outlined in yellow with white centers. At the bottom, the line ends in a solid yellow arrowhead pointing downward. The design resembles a vertical timeline, pathway, or step‑by‑step progression indicator, emphasizing downward movement or sequence.
The image shows a flat, graphic logo design on a transparent checkerboard background in the shape of the U.S. state of Louisiana. The state silhouette is filled with a solid, bright yellow color. Centered within the shape is the ACE Louisiana branding. On the left side of the text is a vertical black pencil icon with a sharpened tip at the top and a small notch detail near the point. To the right of the icon, bold black uppercase letters spell “ACE”, with a thin horizontal line beneath. Below the line, smaller black uppercase text reads “LOUISIANA.” The design is clean and minimal, using strong contrast between the yellow state shape and black logo elements to emphasize regional identity and branding.
The image shows a flat, graphic logo displayed on a transparent checkerboard background in the shape of the U.S. state of Wyoming. The entire state silhouette is filled with a solid, bright yellow color. Centered within the shape is the ACE Wyoming branding. On the left side of the text is a vertical black pencil icon with a sharpened tip at the top and a small notch detail near the point. To the right of the icon, bold black uppercase letters spell “ACE,” with a thin horizontal line beneath. Below the line, smaller black uppercase text reads “WYOMING.” The design is clean, high‑contrast, and emphasizes statewide identity and educational branding.
The image shows a flat, graphic logo displayed on a transparent checkerboard background in the shape of the U.S. state of Arkansas. The full state silhouette is filled with a solid, bright yellow color. Centered within the shape is the ACE Arkansas branding. On the left side of the text is a vertical black pencil icon with a sharpened tip at the top and a small notch detail. To the right of the icon, bold black uppercase letters spell “ACE,” with a thin horizontal line beneath. Below the line, smaller black uppercase text reads “ARKANSAS.” The design is clean and high‑contrast, clearly emphasizing statewide identity and educational branding.
The image shows a flat, graphic logo displayed on a transparent checkerboard background in the shape of the U.S. state of New Mexico. The entire state silhouette is filled with a solid, bright yellow color. Centered within the shape is the ACE New Mexico branding. On the left side of the text is a vertical black pencil icon with a sharpened tip and a small notch detail. To the right, bold black uppercase letters spell “ACE,” with a thin horizontal line beneath. Below the line, smaller black uppercase text reads “NEW MEXICO.” The design is clean and high‑contrast, clearly emphasizing statewide identity and educational branding.
The image shows a flat, graphic logo on a white background associated with ACE Hawaii. On the right side are the Hawaiian Islands depicted as simplified, irregular land shapes filled in a solid golden‑yellow color. On the left, bold black uppercase letters spell “ACE”, with a stylized black pencil icon forming part of the design. Beneath “ACE,” a thin horizontal black line separates the main text from smaller uppercase text reading “HAWAII.” The layout is clean and minimal, using strong contrast between black text and yellow island shapes to emphasize regional identity and branding

We don’t just fund scholarships. We change lives. Because Changing Education Changes Everything.

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Mission Statement

Our mission is to advance K-12 educational freedom, with a focus on securing financial support for families so they may access the quality education of their choice.

ACE Founders

A photo of ACE Founders, Alex Cranberg, Charlie Gallagher, Ralph Nagel, John Saeman, John Walton. The image shows a posed group photograph presented at a slight angle, framed by a thick white border and set against a transparent checkerboard background. Five adults stand side by side in a straight line, facing forward, indoors on a patterned carpet. All wear business attire, including suit jackets, collared dress shirts, and ties or open collars, with muted tones such as navy, gray, tan, and blue. The central person wears glasses and a plaid jacket, standing with hands clasped. The background features large windows with a hazy outdoor view, suggesting an upper‑floor office or event space. Lighting is even and warm, highlighting the figures clearly while keeping the background subdued.

ACE Scholarships was founded in 2000 by Alex Cranberg, Charlie Gallagher, Ralph Nagel, John Saeman and the late Ed McVaney and John Walton to provide low-income parents with the freedom to choose the K-12 schools that are best for their children.

The founders’ vision was powerful but simple: that all children have access to great schools. The founders’ commitment to launch ACE was formed through many years of frustration with a lack of reform within the public school system and unsuccessful legislative efforts to provide publicly funded vouchers to families for private school.

They were also keenly aware that low-income students lagged far behind students of other incomes and that overall, American students continued to fall further behind students in other countries.

Meet ACE Scholarships Boards and Team

26 Years of Impact

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Graduation Rate
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Million Delivered in Scholarships & ESAs
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States and Counting
The image shows a map of the United States on a transparent background highlighting ACE Scholarship activity by state. Participating states are colored yellow and labeled with numeric counts of scholarships delivered. A legend explains ACE states versus non‑ACE states, and a timeline along the bottom lists founding years for each state program.

See ACE in Action

The image shows a large group of people standing together on outdoor stone steps in front of a building. Many raise their hands while holding bright yellow signs and a long banner reading “Changing education changes everything.” A yellow circular play icon overlays the center, indicating a video still or interactive media element.