ACE Summer Institute
ACE = Academic Clark Excellence
The ACE Summer Institute is Clark's pre-orientation program for African American, Latino, Native American and Asian American (ALANA) students and first-generation college students. The ACE Summer Institute will help ease your transition to college and help you reach high academic goals. It's also a great opportunity to get to know the campus and meet new friends before the school year begins. Approximately 30 students are selected to participate in the program, so apply early. The program is free, and books and academic materials are provided.
How to apply
To apply, print an application, complete it and mail it to Academic Advancement Office, Clark University, 950 Main St., Worcester, MA 01610. Or call the Academic Advancement Office at 508-421-3722 to have an application mailed to you.
During the ACE Summer Institute, you will:
- Get to know the campus and the city of Worcester before the semester begins.
- Complete an intensive overview course in precalculus (for science majors) or quantitative math (for nonscience majors).
- Complete an overview course in biology and chemistry.
- Develop your writing techniques.
- Become part of a community of your peers, faculty and staff while building your leadership skills.
Participants also receive an overview of undergraduate courses and student leadership opportunities. This happens prior to course registration for the fall semester, so you'll have a good idea of the courses you should take during your first year at Clark.
Continuing support for ACE students
If you participate in the ACE Summer Institute, you'll benefit from continuing support and mentoring throughout the academic year. The resource room is staffed with trained peer mentors, who provide individual and group support with course work. Informational workshops are offered each month on topics such as renewing the financial application, budgeting for college, and student leadership. Ongoing academic advising and career planning is available as well.
Clark's Academic Advancement Office
The Academic Advancement Office designs and implements programs such as the ACE Summer Institute, study groups and peer mentoring to promote the success of ALANA and first-generation college students at Clark. Students are welcome to meet with the director of Academic Advancement to review their academic plan. If you're interested in the ACE Summer Institute or would like more information, contact the Academic Advancement Office at aa_ace@clarku.edu, or 508-421-3722.
What students say about the ACE Summer Institute
"By the time school started, I wasn't even nervous anymore. Not only did I know where everything was, but I also had friends who, at this point, are more like my family."
-Hayley Haywood, Ossinging, N.Y.
"ACE was such a good experience. I felt so prepared academically and socially to start the school year. It was a great way to spend the end of my summer."
-Johanna Plunkett, Orange, N.J.
"What I found most beneficial about the ACE Summer Institute was the way it eased my anxieties about college."
-Sam Reznik, Encino, CA.
"Two of the benefits of ACE were meeting some of my best friends and feeling completely comfortable at Clark, which I thought wouldn't be possible until my second semester."
-Nishana Weerasooriya, South Burlington, MA.