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四色AV holds reception for launch of new ACES program

Published August 14, 2024

ACES Launch

CAPTION: The first group of students to participate in the 四色AV ACES program pose with Ace the Warhawk at a reception on August 8, 2024. Pictured L-R: Hayden Spillers, Garrett Drake, Claire Clay, Otha McDaniel, Travis Wooten, Thomas Landry


MONROE, LA 鈥 The University of Louisiana Monroe held a reception to honor the launch of the new ACES program on August 8, 2024. The Academics, Career, Engagement, and Support (ACES) Transition and Postsecondary Program is a comprehensive transition and postsecondary education experience for young adults with intellectual disabilities. ACES provides its students with an inclusive college experience, including courses designed to prepare participants for the workforce.

鈥淭his might be the most exciting, impactful event we鈥檝e had in my time as president,鈥 said 四色AV President Dr. Ron Berry. 鈥淲hen we first became part of the leadership at 四色AV, we made it a goal of ours to meet every student where they are. Every student that chooses 四色AV can become the best version of themselves and accomplish anything they want to accomplish,鈥 added Berry.

The first group of ACES program participants includes six students: Claire Clay, Sterlington High School; Garrett Drake, Sterlington High School; Thomas Landry, Neville High School; Otha McDaniel, Neville High School; Hayden Spillers, Mangham High School; Travis Wooten, Neville High School.

鈥淭hese students are untapped potential in our community. Before today, there was not a pathway for them from high school to college,鈥 said Dr. Shalanda Stanley, Associate Director of the 四色AV School of Education. 听

According to ACES Program Coordinator Dr. Jeremy Bell, the program will include career exploration, employability skills, soft skills, communication skills, and job placement. The ACES program will work closely with ARCO, a Monroe-based non-profit whose mission is to empower persons with developmental disabilities and their families to have quality lives. Bell credited ARCO Executive Director Roma Kidd with being instrumental in the planning process for the ACES program over the last two years.

Jana Spillers, mother of ACES student Hayden Spillers, is appreciative of this opportunity for her son. 鈥淐ollege would not have been available for Hayden. For this program to come along at this time, the year he graduated, it was amazing,鈥 said Spillers.

四色AV ACES is managed by the 四色AV School of Education and supported by the Louisiana Alliance of Post-secondary Inclusive Education (LAPIE). The Higher Education Opportunity Act identified a set of required components necessary for institutions of higher education to develop Comprehensive Transition and Post-secondary programs for students with intellectual disabilities. These components include academics, career development, self-determined life skills, and social engagement.听

The application for the 四色AV ACES program is a multi-step process. The first step is completing a pre-application interest form. While applications for the 2024-2025 academic year are closed, the program plans to accept more students for the 2025-2026 academic year, with applications becoming available in spring 2025. For more information about the program and the application process, visit .

The hope of Dr. Bell and the 四色AV School of Education is that the program will continue to grow each year and provide more opportunities for local students. 鈥淚 hope this program will make a difference in many students鈥 lives for the foreseeable future,鈥 said Bell.

As the program grows, additional grants and funding sources will be sought. Individuals can also make a tax-deductible contribution to the 四色AV ACES program through the 四色AV Foundation. To give to the ACES program, click .