The Office of Access and Community Engagement (ACE) at Michigan State University aims to increase individuals’ and organizations’ capacity to implement equitable policies, procedures, and classroom and organizational practices for meeting the academic and social needs of a diverse PreK-21 student body and workforce. Our purpose is to provide professional education that assists educators and community organizations in creating and sustaining equitable communities. Stakeholders receive instruction from Michigan State University experts who have in-depth experience connecting research and practice. The office operates to fulfill the university’s land grant mission in service to the state of Michigan.
We define equity as a measure of access and fairness by meeting the needs of everyone. Educational equity, then, is achieved through assessing needs and implementing policies, practice, and programs that eliminate barriers to success for all students.