By E’Lesha Toomer, Program Director of The ACE Project

As part of Bloom Kentucky, “sprout outs” are our way of giving a meaningful shout out to programs fostering hope and resilience in our communities. We’re proud to spotlight the incredible work of The ACE Project! 

The ACE Project (Acting Compassionate Everyday) is a youth and family centered organization committed to prevention, empowerment, and long-term community impact. Based in Louisville, their mission is to provide youth and families with resources and experiences that help them discover their talents and reach their ultimate potential, preparing them to be productive citizens in their communities.

The organization serves youth and families primarily in under-resourced communities, with a focus on elementary, middle, and high school-aged youth through their core programs: 

  • Men in the Making
  • PROM (Positive Reinforcement Over Myself)
  • The Academy of Child Entrepreneurship (ACE) 
  • The ACE Healing Project (For families who have survived losing a loved one to gun violence)

These projects address root causes of violence and disengagement by offering positive pathways rooted in mentorship, leadership development, life skills, entrepreneurship, and healing-centered practices.

The ACE Project creates many Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) including promoting opportunities for youth to participate in community traditions by hosting group activities, showcases, service projects, and community-based experiences that build pride and connection with peers, caregivers, and community. 

The ACE Project helps youth see what’s possible. Through consistent mentorship, hands-on learning, and real-world experiences, young people build confidence, purpose, and practical skills for the future emphasizing identity, accountability, and self-belief while exposing youth to real-world opportunities and positive role models.

Positive youth development opportunities, such as the ACEs Project, should be available to every kid in Kentucky. That’s why Bloom Kentucky’s 2026 Policy Agenda includes a priority focused on creating mechanisms to direct upcoming social media settlement dollars towards positive childhood experiences. 

By investing settlement dollars in youth well-being and connection, Kentucky can boost PCES and support youth development and mental health.