Alaquest Collaborative for Education (ACE) began with our desire to turn personal tragedy into positive action.

On September 9th 2012, Joshua Smith - son, brother and friend of the co-founders - was murdered at age of 22 along with two of his friends. He was at home and asleep on the couch. The other two victims - Casey Cumberland and Simeon Gilmore - were ages 21 and 19. Their murderer was 20 years old.

We believe that the person who senselessly took these young lives and who irreparably damaged his own future might have made a different decision if he had been more emotionally aware of himself and if he had known the impact of his decisions on others. That is why we work to increase access to Social and Emotional Learning, so that future generations might be more aware of themselves personally and interpersonally. Research has proven that access to Social and Emotional Learning decreases violence in schools and communities while improving academic, personal, and social outcomes. We are confident that the work of ACE will prevent future tragedy.  

We love Joshua very much. He was a kind, benevolent soul with a passion for helping others. Nothing will ever replace his presence in our lives but he would be proud to know that his legacy is making a difference.