HELPING OUR HEROES CONTINUE TO SERVE

Many people join the military because they want to do something that matters. They want to serve their country and do their part to protect people. Deployments, temporary homes and time away from family are all sacrifices needed to achieve that sense of purpose. That overarching sense of duty does not go unnoticed. Soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guard are praised by the public, and as a result, they know they are contributing to something real. They know they are making a difference. When military service ends, ACE has committed to helping servicemen and women continue to lead by providing everything they need to start a career in fitness. Our organization is committing 1,000 scholarships to alleviate the challenge of finding a job to the 300,000 new veterans expected to cycle out of the military in the next five years.

ACE Essentials of Exercise Science Master the Manual study guide Exercise Science Flashcards Exam Voucher**

SCHOLARSHIP ELIGIBILITY
The Salute You Scholarship will be granted to select candidates who submit a copy of their DD214 form showing theyve been honorably discharged from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines or Coast Guard within six months of their application date. Servicemen and women who have yet to separate are ineligible to apply for the scholarship until their discharge date. Candidates will also be asked to submit a 150-word essay regarding the life experiences that led them to pursue a career in fitness and utilize ACE Academy Elite, our interactive, video-led study guide throughout the study process. All applications may be completed online at ACEfitness.org/military. ACE has committed to awarding scholarships within 30 days of application.

SALUTE YOU SCHOLARSHIP

In 2013, the Salute You Scholarship will provide 1,000 men and women who have been honorably discharged from the Armed Services within six months of their application date study materials, a registration voucher for the ACE Personal Trainer Certification Exam and one-on-one study assistance. Commitment from ACE in the programs first year will approach $1 million in product and in-kind service and support. Our organization is currently pursuing partners to help increase that commitment in 2014 and beyond. The program will provide veterans a no-cost* opportunity to place themselves on a promising career path in a growing industry. In addition, the Salute You Scholarship will help ease the transition for the more than two-thirds of U.S. veterans who consider finding a job the greatest challenge when they leave the military. Unemployment among veterans aged 18-24 is a staggering 17.7%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

FITNESS AS A CAREER
Since 2003, ACE has maintained accreditation by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) for our Personal Trainer Certification. In 2012, our organization also earned accreditation from the European Health & Fitness Association (EHFA) for the Personal Trainer certification, giving the certification and its accompanying career a favorable level of geographic portability. After passing the exam, newly certified professionals can take advantage of the growing list of fitness facilities that have guaranteed an interview to ACE-certified Personal Trainers. Within the fitness industry, the International Health and Racquet Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) and the Medical Fitness Association (MFA) both recommend club owners and medical fitness facilities hire professionals with NCCA-accredited certifications. Upon certification, newly certified professionals will be encouraged to pledge hours towards the ongoing Joining Forces initiative that ACE actively supports.

SCHOLARSHIP AWARDEES WILL RECEIVE:

Personal Trainer Premium Bundle ($989 total retail value) ACE Academy Elite - Interactive video lecture series - Online custom progress tracking - Two practice tests - Exam review - Access to ACE Resource Center ACE Personal Trainer Manual

PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
ACE is currently seeking private and public funding to reward additional new veterans the best way we know how: by giving thousands of new veterans a promising career path in a rapidly growing field that will allow them to lead other Americans to live their most fit lives.
*Candidate is required to pay shipping. **Must complete the first 15 of the 19 total lessons of ACE Academy Elite within 6 months from date of application approval before candidate will be permitted to register for the exam. Completion of a lesson is defined as passing the lesson quiz.