Advocates for Children and Education (ACE) seeks to promote the welfare, protection, and education of children and youth. Our main objective is to provide interested students, faculty, and staff with opportunities to connect with and positively impact children in the local community. We have volunteer opportunities available in the areas of juvenile delinquency, special education, and general mentoring and advocacy. ACE also offers resources and information about careers in child advocacy and education law, and works closely with the Children's Advocacy Institute (CAI) at USD Law.

Representatives for Youth in Academic Affairs (RYAA) Program

This program collaborates with the San Diego Public Defender's Office to pair law students with juvenile offenders who need support in school. ACE members receive training in education law and work directly with students and parents to help children improve school performance and obtain special education services. All cases are referred by public defenders. ACE advocates send periodic updates to the PD's office and, when appropriate, appear at juvenile court hearings, CFTs, and IEP meetings to support parents and students. Pro bono hours are rewarded for your time.

If you are interested in being a part of the RYAA program, please contact: ryaa.usd@gmail.com.

Education Rights Holder Program

Local judges appoint ACE volunteers to hold education rights for students in foster care, until social workers find someone to permanently hold education rights. As temporary education rights holders, volunteers are the main educational advocates for their students and have the legal authority to make all education-related decisions. Usually, holders come in when parental rights have been terminated or when the court deems that the minor’s parents can't make decisions for their child anymore. The program works directly with the Public Defender’s office. Our case load requires us to review school documents, interview the minors, make plans for their success and to attend court hearings for the minor.

If you are interested in being a part of the Education Rights Holder Program feel free to contact: usd.ace@gmail.com

Organization Contact

ACE

Sophie Parker
President
usd.ace@gmail.com

Web pages

ACE Facebook Page

Instagram: Follow us @ace_usd

Watch our video for more information.