Wildlife and nature

Animal shelters and rescues

Theater and dance

Rivers, parks and trails

Hunger and food

Schools and learning

Housing and homelessness

Community health

Mental health

Mentoring and foster care

Legal help and rights

Jobs and money help

Atlanta

The Triangle

Everywhere

The Collective Workshop

Royal Animal Refuge

Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta

Georgia Advancing Communities Together

Atlanta Writers Club

Cobb Collaborative

Bosleys Place

Jewish Fertility Foundation

Aviation Career Enrichment (ACE) was founded on November 22, 1980 by Julius J. Alexander. The idea of ACE came about after Mr. Alexander faced discrimination in the late 1960’s when he was denied the opportunity to become an airline pilot due to his race. He knew that he wanted to impact the lives of young people and empower future generations of pilots and other aviation professionals. Julius also felt he was fulfilling God’s purpose for his life by sharing his passion for aviation and giving back to the community.
Mr. Alexander was a former Atlanta Public Schools High School Teacher, Television Newsman, Publicist for Lockheed Martin Aerospace, and a published aviation writer. Additionally, he held flight and ground instructor certifications in single and multi-engine airplanes. Julius Alexander logged over 13,000 flight hours teaching primary, advanced, and instrument training. He trained over 200 pilots through their 1st solo. Forty of his former students, and/or alumni of ACE, are current or retired Captains and First Officers at several major airlines. Captain Patrick Alexander, his son, serves as President and CEO of ACE. Others serve in the military and various aviation careers. Throughout his life, Mr. Alexander received numerous awards and accolades, with one of the highest honors being inducted into the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame in April 2011.

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Picture Day

All ACE Classes Resumes In

ACE Awards Booklet

ACE Field Trip

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Captain Patrick Alexander, Sr.

Captain Geoffrey McKenzie

Stephanie Smith

Pamela Harris

Angela Moss

Karlston Martin, CFI

First Officer Hampton McDonald

Daniel Long

Alyssa Cruz

Benjamin Blackburn

Kelsey Griffin

Victor Howard

We’re BACK! ❤️🏫 After last year’s flooding forced us out of our building during the final months of the school year, it feels SO good to be back home! We still have a ways to go, and things are very much a work in progress, but being back in our space, together, is a feeling we can’t quite put into words. A little rebuilding, a lot of resilience, and so much gratitude. One step at a time, we’re making it home again! ❤️

✈️ FIRST SOLO FLIGHT! 🎉 Congratulations to ACE student Dejon Barclay and ACE CFI Chris Crump! Dejon completed his first solo flight this evening in Warrior 29263 and did a wonderful job! 🛩️👏 The first solo is a major milestone in every pilot’s journey, and we’re proud to celebrate this exciting achievement with Dejon. Keep up the great work, and blue skies ahead! ☀️

🎓✨ WELCOME BACK, ACE! ✨🎓 The 2026–2027 school year is here, and we’re proud to welcome back our incredible students and staff! As we begin our 46th year, we continue our tradition of molding protégés into professionals—inspiring excellence, building confidence, developing skills, and preparing the next generation to lead with purpose. 🌟 Here’s to a year filled with growth, achievement, opportunity, and unforgettable moments. Welcome back, ACE family! Let’s make Year 46 our best one yet! 💙

Today, we remember and celebrate the life, legacy, and vision of our amazing founder, Julius Alexander. ✈️ At a time when others mocked him for his commitment to educating and empowering minorities, Julius simply responded: “If I only help one become a pilot, then it’s worth it.” Well, it’s safe to say that number far exceeded one — and it’s still climbing. 🙌🏾 His vision opened doors, changed lives, and inspired generations of aviators to reach for the skies. Today, we honor not only the man, but the mission he believed in so deeply. His legacy lives on in every pilot who took flight because someone believed in them. Thank you, Julius Alexander, for showing us that changing one life can change countless others. ✈️ Your legacy continues to soar. ❤️

Congratulations to ACE student Major Miller and ACE CFI Logan Jackson on an incredible accomplishment! 🎉 On his 16th birthday, Major completed his first solo flight in Warrior 29263 — with family, friends, and ACE supporters there to witness the special moment. What makes this achievement even more impressive? Major had only 13 hours of flight training, having just started lessons at the beginning of last month. 👏🏾 This may very well be an ACE Academy record for soloing in such a short period of time! A huge congratulations to Major and Logan for the dedication, hard work, and teamwork that made this milestone possible. 🛩️ Happy 16th Birthday, Major — and congratulations on your first solo! 🎂✈️

🎉 Big congratulations to ACE student Cyrus Martin and ACE CFI Logan Jackson! ✈️ Cyrus became the first ACE Academy student to solo Warrior 29263, doing an outstanding job with only 10 hours of flight training—and he just turned 16! 👏🔥 This is exactly what our ACE Founder loved to see: an instructor recognizing a student’s natural flying skills, building on them, and making every hour count. Congratulations, Cyrus and Logan! Your consistency, teamwork, and commitment to the ACE way are something to celebrate. 🏆✈️

🎉✈️ Big congratulations to ACE student Kelsey Griffin on earning her Private Pilot’s License! 🛩️👏 We are beyond excited to celebrate this incredible milestone with you! Your hard work, determination, and passion for aviation have taken you to new heights, and this is only the beginning of an amazing journey. Keep chasing your dreams and reaching for the skies—we can’t wait to see where your wings take you next! 💙🌤️ Congratulations, Kelsey!

🎉✈️ Congratulations are in order for ACE student Alyssa Cruz on earning her Private Pilot’s License! 🛩️👏 This incredible milestone is a testament to Alyssa’s hard work, determination, and passion for aviation. Your dedication has truly paid off, and we couldn’t be prouder of this amazing accomplishment! The sky is no longer the limit—it’s just the beginning! 🌤️ Wishing you continued success and many safe flights as you soar toward your future. Congratulations, Alyssa! 💙✈️

🎉✈️ Congratulations to ACE student Jonah Slade on earning his Private Pilot License! This is an incredible achievement, and we couldn’t be more proud of all the hard work and dedication that made this milestone possible. A special shout-out to ACE instructor Kat Charnel for her outstanding instruction and support throughout Jonah’s journey. Blue skies and tailwinds, Jonah—we can’t wait to see where your aviation adventure takes you next! 👏🛩️💙

Congratulations to Caleb Alexander(on the left). He performed his first solo flights. Ace instructor Malcolm Robinson.

✈️ Congratulations to Rayneir Bethune on earning his Private Pilot License! ✈️Wishing you clear skies, safe flights, and continued success as you embark on this exciting new chapter. We’re proud of you and can’t wait to see where your journey takes you next!

✈️ Congratulations to ACE student Victor Howard on earning his Private Pilot License! 🎉 Your hard work, dedication, and passion for aviation have paid off. We’re proud of this incredible achievement and excited to see where your journey takes you next!

A special moment from our Annual Awards Ceremony! Listen to ACE Hawk student, 13-year-old Zaidee Lindo, take the stage to introduce the emcee, showcasing confidence, poise, and leadership. We couldn’t be prouder!

We were grateful for the opportunity to tour a local corporate flight department and expose our students to other areas of aviation.

Congratulations to ACE student Taylor Rogers and ACE CFl Bryan O’Bryan. Taylor performed his first solo flight in 15RA this morning and did a very nice job handling a right crosswind.

Congratulations to Xavier Brown for performing his first solo flight 04/18/26 in 15RA. He has been in the ACE program since the age of 9. ACE CFI Malcolm Robinson.

Congratulations to Rohan Greene for accomplishing his solo flight 03/27/26. CFI Bryan O’Bryan.

Our annual trip to Tuskegee University was absolutely fantastic. We visited the George Washington Carver Museum, the Engineering department, and the Tuskegee Airmen Museum. Thank you Tuskegee for your hospitality.

Congratulations to Shania Swann for obtaining her Private Pilots License. We are so proud of you. ACE flight instructor was Kat Charnel.

Congratulations are in order for ACE student Jacob Meadows and ACE CFI Bryan O’Bryan. Jacob performed his first solo flight in 04U. Jacob soloed in 14 hours and is headed to Tuskegee University this fall.

Congratulations to Chase Sawyer for obtaining his Private Pilots License in just 41 hours of flight time. True testament to his dedication and our instructors.

Another step toward the skies ✈️ ACE proudly welcomes our newest Piper Warrior—fueling dreams, one flight at a time.

Congratulations are in order for adult ACE student Kenya Bridges and ACE CFI Kermit Obeng. Kenya performed his first solo flight 12/20/25.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the Brothers of Atlanta for their unwavering support and consistent contributions. Your dedication strengthens our mission and fuels the work we do every day. Thank you for always showing up, standing strong, and moving with purpose. Together, we continue to elevate our community and create lasting impact.

Congratulations to ACE student Shawn Dingle and ACE CFl Kermit Obeng. Shawn performed his first solo flight.

Today ACE celebrates 45 years of molding protégés into professionals. Also Happy birthday to ACE president Patrick Alexander.

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