IBJ ACES Leadership Program

ACES is the IBJ's young adult leadership program.  Open to young adults ages 18-35, this cohort of aspiring and present activists serve as co-designers and co-laborers in the work of social transformation.  Participants in the cohort take the EPA pledge, learn social justice advocacy and communication, expand their networks and allies, and practice their leadership skills in a safe but dynamic environment.  ACES may take advantage of paid internships, part-time contract work, entrepreneurship, and volunteerism where appropriate.

ACES actively engage with the work of the IBJ and contribute to the Annual Freedom Summer Symposium.  The Symposium is a social justice "call to action,"  targeting the 18-35 demographic, social justice activists, and aspiring leaders.  The IBJ partners with an institution of higher education to expose  young adults to human-centered design and design thinking as part of a paid experience.  ACES participants form small teams present a set of recommendations that inform the IBJ's strategic priorities for the following year.  

Want to join the IBJ ACES leadership program? Take the pledge for a chance to participate in the 2022 Design Challenge and other youth leadership opportunities.

2022 Freedom Summer Symposium Flyer 

Watch the livestream replay for FSS 2022