Statistics from the Minnesota Department of Education confirm that low-income students in the state are falling behind in school and graduation rates. Athletes Committed to Education Students, or ACES, is committed to reducing that educational achievement gap.

Minnesota United FC supports education and social development across all of Minnesota’s unique demographics, and thus certainly also supports ACES’ mission. That’s why staff, players, and P.K. were in attendance at ACES All Star Evening on Thursday, May 12th.

Nearly 300 people gathered at TCF Bank Stadium that day, for ACES gala and primary fundraiser, the ACES All Star Evening. That number included representatives from each professional sports team in market, with Minnesota United and the Vikings even sending players.

Jeb Brovsky, Danny Cruz, Daniel Mendes, and Juliano Vicentini manned the soccer booth at the gala – kids lined up to take turns shooting on the inflatable goal, and then the United players rewarded participants with prizes.

“Minnesota United is phenomenal! The players, staff, and P.K. Loon were a huge hit! We are fortunate enough to serve in many schools and sites where our young people are motivated by soccer, and we’re very much looking forward to giving them increased opportunities to experience Minnesota United,” said ACES Executive Director Christina Saunders.

Beyond growing partnerships, ACES’ events and reach are growing as well. In the past two years, they have expanded to 13 program sites, and have nearly doubled the amount of students they’ve educated and mentored, according to Saunders.

And that relationship of education and mentoring students is something that resonates with Minnesota United players.

“I think this is an incredible event, and an organization that is clearly making a measurable difference in the lives of children. Education and inspiration are two of the greatest things we can pass on to younger generations, and ACES is doing it every day,” said United midfielder Jeb Brovsky.