About the Institute

The Advancing Community Engagement and Service Institute strives to improve the quality of life in the greater Houston region through strong community partnerships and enhanced student learning. We partner with schools and organizations to give real-world learning experiences to college students and to advance K-12 academic performance across disciplines.  

The inaugural work of the ACES Institute in 2016 focused on school improvement efforts in Third Ward, with UH students serving as reading and math tutors and mentors at partner schools. We have maintained this commitment throughout the years and have expanded our initiatives beyond the Third Ward community. 

Housed in the Judy Cook Building, the Institute also conducts professional development and community engagement activities to strengthen our educational impact. Collectively, our work serves to prepare students for lifelong civic and social responsibility and to foster thriving communities.