Partnering to Enhance Student Learning

Striving to improve the quality of life in the Houston region through academic-based service learning.

Advancing Community Engagement and Service Institute

The ACES Institute at the University of Houston strives to improve the quality of life in the Houston region through academic-based service learning that supports student success and meets the needs of the community. We partner with schools and organizations to give real-world learning experiences to college students and to advance K-12 academic performance through evidence-based programming.

Make a Difference with ACES

Whether you're a UH student eager to gain real-world classroom experience or a school leader seeking high-impact academic support, the ACES Institute is here for you.

We connect passionate Cougar Tutors with local schools to advance literacy and learning across Houston. Explore how you can get involved — whether through student employment or school partnerships — and help us build a brigher future for all learners.

Learn more about working with us >

Tutor Spotlight

Alumna Sangeetha Ranadeeve served as a Cougar Tutor at Sterling High School in the Houston Independent School District for three years and said the impact of the tutors' work was pround:

"You see kids who feel like they've been bashing their head against the wall, and the moment they understand something and make progress, it's like joy comes over them," Ranadeeve told the Houston Chronicle. "I absolutely think this kind of work will make a difference."

Program Spotlight

Day of Discovery 2025

Hundreds of middle school students explored science, technology, engineering, and math through hands-on activities at UH’s Day of Discovery. The experience offered a glimpse into college life and inspired students to imagine a future in STEM.
Career Test Drive

Students from three partner schools visited the Judy Cook Building to take part in BridgeYear's Career Test Drive. Students interacted with multiple careers at this exciting interactive experience.
Cougar Tutor Literacy Initiative

Cougar Tutors were featured (see minute 5:30) as part of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation's 29th annual "A Celebration of Reading: Family, Faith, and Friends." The foundation supports the Cougar Tutors program.
Executive Director Dr. Anne McClellan and ACES Institute team Receive the President's Circle Award

Our Executive Director, Dr. Anne McClellan, and the team at the ACES Institute received the President's Circle Award. This award celebrates UH faculty who have published books and high-impact journal articles, received national recognition and were awarded major grants and U.S. patents. For more details, check out the full article from the UH Newsroom here.