Project ACE: ACtion for Equity has reached the end of its life cycle. Over the past five years, and thanks to the collaboration with Canutillo, Del Valle, and Gadsden High School, we had the privilege of positively impacting the lives of teachers and students who participated in our summer programs.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Lourdes Echegoyen, Dr. Karina Canaba, and the COURI team for their invaluable support, allowing our high school students to participate in their workshops and summer symposiums. We also sincerely thank the UTEP faculty who opened their research labs to host our students and teachers, giving them the opportunity to experience what it means to do hands-on scientific research.

We are especially grateful to COLART, the College of Engineering, College of Education, College of Health Sciences, and the College of Science, for allowing their faculty to take part in our program every summer since 2020. Their commitment to early engagement and the development of future scientists and professionals was essential to the success of this project.

We also want to acknowledge the many other departments that supported us administratively, including Human Resources (HR), the Purchasing Office, Research and Innovation, and Contracts & Grants (C&G), just to mention a few. Their collaboration enabled the smooth operation of every phase of the program.

We are thankful to Canutillo, Del Valle, and Gadsden High Schools for trusting us with their teachers and students and for allowing them to participate in our activities. We especially thank the families who, despite any challenges, were committed to bringing their children to the UTEP campus every summer.

To our high school students—thank you for trusting us and for sacrificing your summer vacations to participate in this life-changing experience.

On behalf of Dr. Osvaldo Morera, Dr. Thomas Boland, and Dr. Josefina Tinajero, we express our deepest gratitude to UTEP, the participating school districts, and the entire El Paso community for their support over these five years. While this may be goodbye for Project ACE, for us it is only see you soon. We will continue working with hope and determination to secure new grants that will allow us to keep promoting education in El Paso, TX, and surrounding areas, through one of the institutions most deeply committed to our community: UTEP.

Thank you all!

Dr. Osvaldo Morera, PI

Dr. Thomas Boland, Co-PI

Dr. Josefina Tinajero Co-PI