ACE provides trustworthy, unbiased, and accessible policy resources for youth voters.
ACE is a nonpartisan, nonprofit think tank driven by the next generation of policy researchers. Established by and for youth voters, ACE is dedicated to empowering young voices in shaping policy decisions. >> Meet our team
Research Areas
The Criminal Justice System is made up of three factors: law enforcement, courts, and corrections. ACE’s criminal justice research focuses on the history of the criminal justice system and how it has adapted, or remained the same, throughout decades of movements and liberation. >>Read more
Democratic governance explores the systems, structures and nuances of democratic systems. In addition, this research area includes the transitions countries are making both towards and away from democracy. >>Read more
ACE’s Economic research currently focuses on National Debt, which is the accumulation of the federal budget deficits plus interest. The federal budget deficit is how much more the federal government spends than it takes in through taxes. >>Read more
ACE’s Economic research currently focuses on National Debt, which is the accumulation of the federal budget deficits plus interest. The federal budget deficit is how much more the federal government spends than it takes in through taxes. >>Read more
Foreign Policy is the way a country regulates and dictates how it will interact with other countries governments, economies, and citizens. ACE has research teams focused on the following regions:
- Africa
- Asia
- Central & Latin America
- Eurasia
- Middle East & North Africa
Human Rights and Equality refers to the basic rights, freedoms, and opportunities afforded to all people. ACE’s Human Rights and Equality team works to cultivate research that informs citizens of the various violations and inequalities that disenfranchised populations face. >> Read more
Immigration is the movement of people across national borders, and the policies which regulate that movement. Immigration can be voluntary or forced, permanent or temporary.
ACE’s research on immigration focuses on both:
- Voluntary migration or migration encompasses permanent migration like the diversity visa program or family sponsorship, and temporary migration like work or student visas.
- Forced migration or migration which occurs when people do not choose to leave their homes, but are forced to due to violence or persecution.
The Local Governance Project is a prestigious, ACE-sponsored fellowship where students identify a primary issue in their home communities using the Political Priorities Worksheet, and identify and explore potential local government responses to that issue. Fellows present their findings to local government decision-makers and to their communities. This project speaks to one of ACE’s primary goals: empowering citizens to engage in the democratic process. >> Read more
Nuclear nonproliferation refers to policies taken to discourage the spread of nuclear weapons. This research project also explores issues around nuclear energy and foreign policy. >> Read more
Public health policy refers to local, state, and national government actions, support, and regulation related to the health of the population. >> Read more
Latest Blogs
Appreciation for ACE Interns and Fellows
Over 400 ACE Fellows and Interns from more than 140
Reflections from the Public Health Research Associate
This summer, I interned as a Research Associate for ACE’s
Summer Fellow Publishes Article with International Policy Digest
Swini Adikari, a Master’s student at George Washington University, recently
Climate Migration Conference Featured in Chatham House’s The World Today
Following Chatham House’s panel discussion on climate migration in Sub-Saharan
ACE Quarterly Research Journal Vol. 1
We are proud to share the first edition of the
ACE Research Associate Publishes Article for Indiana Daily Student
ACE’s International Organizations & Agreements Research Associate, Katelyn Balakir, published
Weekly Newsletter
Understanding Critical Resource Extraction in the Arctic
The Arctic Region The Arctic is the northernmost region of the Earth, centered on the North Pole. Most scientists define the Arctic as the area within the Arctic Circle, a line of latitude approximately 66.5° north of the Equator. The Arctic is home to more than 4 million people, including indigenous people such as the […]
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Pros and Cons of the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act
Background President Nixon initiated the War on Drugs in the 1970s, which was designed to tighten security over the regulation, consumption, offenses, and accessibility of controlled substances. The War on Drugs and increased prosecution of drug-related offenses have disproportionately impacted minority populations. Schedule 1 drugs—substances that are considered to have the greatest risk of abuse […]
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Introduction to the Child Tax Credit
Introduction The Child Tax Credit (CTC) is a tax benefit granted by the government to American taxpayers for each qualifying dependent child under the age of 18 at the end of the tax year. The CTC provides money to support American families by making it more affordable to raise children and by helping them save […]
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US Response to the EU Energy Crisis
Over the course of the past six months, the United States committed to several EU-U.S. trade agreements to support the European economy in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The US aims to reduce the European Union economy’s dependence on Russian gas and oil. The EU and the US have restricted energy imports […]
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Latest Research
President-Elect Donald Trump recently began announcing his presidential cabinet nominations, tapping Congresspeople, former Republican presidential nominees, and close
The “Let Pregnancy Centers Serve Act” of 2024 is stirring significant debate as it seeks to protect crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs) by allowing them to receive federal funding. Proponents argue that CPCs provide essential services, from pregnancy tests to emotional support, at little to no cost, enhancing access for pregnant individuals. However, critics raise serious concerns about the misleading information often provided by these centers and the potential misuse of federal funds. As this legislation unfolds, its implications could reshape the landscape of reproductive health services across the nation. Discover the key insights and arguments surrounding this pivotal Act.
The National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act of 2018 introduced the crucial 988 dialing code, aiming to transform how individuals in crisis access mental health support. Proponents argue that this three-digit number simplifies the process of seeking help, potentially saving lives by ensuring timely assistance. However, critics raise concerns about uneven state responses, resource constraints, and low public awareness, which could undermine the hotline’s effectiveness. As we explore the pros and cons of this significant legislation, we uncover the challenges and opportunities it presents in the fight against rising suicide rates and mental health crises.
In recent years, the concept of a merit-based immigration system has sparked intense debate in the United States. Unlike traditional family reunification approaches, this system prioritizes immigrants based on their skills and qualifications, potentially reshaping the nation’s economic landscape. Proponents argue it could address labor shortages and enhance innovation, while critics warn it may undermine humanitarian values and overlook essential workers. As the discussion unfolds, key questions about America’s core values and future economic priorities emerge. Dive into the complexities of this pivotal issue and discover the arguments on both sides of the immigration reform debate.
Introduction Transportation infrastructure is the physical framework that supports the movement of people and goods across a country.
Neurotechnology is an area of technology that specifically applies to the monitoring, regulation, or enhancement of brain activity.
Tuesday, November 5th marks Election Day in the United States. As millions of voters cast their ballots, news
The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) responds to the escalating youth mental health crisis and its ties to
Background The Protecting Our Democracy Act (PODA) is a bill under consideration in Congress that aims to protect
As the upcoming election draws near, immigration remains a top issue of concern amongst voters. According to Pew
Background The citizenship question is a proposed addendum to the decennial U.S. Census. The U.S. Census Bureau conducts
As Kamala Harris and Donald Trump continue on the campaign trail, both presidential candidates have attempted to reach
Background Campaign finance laws are controversial and highly influential in the American election system. Before 2010, Supreme Court
Introduction In the United States, voter ID requirements vary widely by state law. Currently, thirty-eight states strictly require
What is SB 418? On June 16, 2022, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu signed a new piece of
Chatbots, powered by artificial intelligence (AI), have become increasingly prevalent in the banking industry. The implementation of chatbots
Background What is Artificial Intelligence? Artificial intelligence, more commonly referred to as AI, encompasses many technologies that enable
Introduction The American Privacy Rights Act (APRA) is a new bill introduced in Spring 2024 that seeks to