Accelerated Christian Education - Student Conventions

Student Conventions

Schools that use the ACE curriculum may participate in the student conventions. Since 1976, regional conventions have been held throughout the world and the top-placed participants are able to proceed to the International Convention. The International Convention is usually held at a university campus, such as Indiana University in Bloomington (1990), North Texas University in Denton (1991), Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff (1993), Purdue University in Indiana (1994). One of the national conventions is the All Africa Student Convention that takes place in South Africa once a year at the end of November or the beginning of December. The All Africa Student Convention is hosted at the University of the Freestate in Bloemfontein.

ACE holds an annual International Student Convention, for high school students, designed to develop leadership skills. The conventions augment the curriculum by requiring students to prepare to compete in dramatic, artistic and athletic events. The conventions also offer "Events of the Heart" which allows students with mental and physical disabilities to participate. When the conventions first started, a parade in the hosting city would accompany it. In 1981, over 3,000 students and sponsors marched in New York City to celebrate the opening of the convention at Rutgers University. Student conventions offer speakers. Past speakers have been David Gibbs from the Christian Law Association, Ben Jordan and William Murray (Madalyn Murray O'Hair's son).