Alliance of Civically Engaged Students (ACES)

About ACES

The Northeastern University Alliance of Civically Engaged Students (ACES) is a community engagement program that creates meaningful bonds between students and the Boston neighborhoods that become their homes. ACES is a tight-knit, on-campus community of students. ACES take an asset-based approach to learn from the community, contribute their skills and knowledge, and develop as civic-minded individuals and leaders.

ACES is build upon four pillars: service, civic learning, civic action, and alliance building.


Program Overview

Welcome Program: ACES Launch

ACES begins with a multi-day Welcome Program, the ACES Launch, to acclimate students to Boston and the Northeastern University Boston campus. It is led by passionate student leaders and includes service projects, educational workshops, team-building events, and group reflections.

Weekly Service

Following the Welcome Program, participants are matched with a community partner organization to begin weekly service. We have a variety of organizations to choose from. Check out our Community Collaborators page to learn more. Through weekly service, participants develop strong relationships within the community of Boston.

Monthly Meetings

ACES also includes regularly scheduled Sunday afternoon workshops that delve into current social issues, such as housing discrimination or environmental justice. We discuss how these issues affect individuals and groups in Boston and beyond.

Additional opportunities

Through the four pillars of ACES; service, civic learning, civic action, and alliance building; participants continue to learn and grow as civic-minded individuals and leaders. Events, workshops, field trips and more are offered throughout the first year of the program and continue throughout your entire Northeastern experience.

Leadership roles

ACES Launch Team Leader

Team Leaders serve as members of the leadership team by guiding and supporting ACES participants during their first week at Northeastern through an intensive introduction to service projects, civic engagement activities, and reflections. They are mentors and leaders for the service experience, as well as the introduction to the Northeastern/Boston community and lifestyle. 

ACES Peer Mentor

Peer Mentors serve as members of the leadership team by mentoring and supporting ACES participants during the year-long program commitment. Peer Mentors oversee your mentees’ weekly service attendance and Sunday Meeting participation, as well as facilitate reflections with their team of participants. Enthusiasm for guiding students through the ACES program and sharing civic engagement experiences is a MUST!

ACES Peer Programmer

Peer Programmers serve as members of the leadership team by creating social programming for ACES first-year and upper-class participants. The Peer Programming team will plan, develop, and facilitate community building, civic engagement, and community service events. Enthusiasm for sharing community volunteer and civic engagement experience with first-year and upper-class students is a MUST!

ACES Peer Educator

Peer Educators serve as members of the leadership team by creating educational programming for ACES first-year and upper-class participants. The Peer Educator team will plan, develop, and facilitate programming pertaining to Civic Learning and Civic Action activities and programs. Enthusiasm for teaching peers about social justice topics and sharing civic engagement experiences with first-year and upper-class students is a MUST!

Burnes Center for Social Change

This position connects the Northeastern community to the larger Boston community by connecting student volunteers to local non-profit organizations. Work alongside a passionate, dedicated team on events, communication, partnerships, and more.

Get Involved

ACES Student Participant

The current program application is now closed. Check back in December for the Spring 2024 application.

ACES Leadership Roles

Current leadership positions have been filled. Check back later for the next application.

Contact Us

Lisa Morde

Associate Director, Civic Engagement

Email: l.morde@northeastern.edu

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