08/26/2026
It’s been a while since we’ve had the chance to spotlight one of the programs that means the absolute most to us at: Inspire & Aspire Initiative by After Class Academy ❤️
For those who may not know, Inspire & Aspire was created for teens and young adults who want to participate in sports, dance, tumbling, and other programs but simply don’t have the resources to make it possible.
We have supported teen mothers who want the opportunity to participate in something that allows them to still be kids for a little while. We have worked with students in foster care, teens who have been displaced from their homes, and young people navigating circumstances that most adults would struggle with.
Through Inspire & Aspire, participants can receive FREE training during the day or in our evening classes, along with help connecting to resources they may need while navigating education, employment, transportation, parenting, housing, and the transition into adulthood.
And we want to reach MORE of them.
💙 We also offer a VAPE-FREE incentive.
Teens who make the commitment to quit va**ng or smoking can trade in their vapes for FREE training through our programs.
We will also do everything we can to help connect them with appropriate resources and support as they work toward quitting and staying healthy.
Because sometimes a young person doesn't need another person telling them what they're doing wrong.
Sometimes they need someone to say, “We're going to help you figure this out.”
That is what Inspire & Aspire is about.
We absolutely LOVE when our community shows up to support our teams. We love performing at community events, participating in fundraisers, and finding fun ways to give back.
But at the end of the day, our children are our greatest mission.
Helping a young person navigate motherhood, homelessness, foster care, substance use, family displacement, or any of the other difficult circumstances that can sometimes fall on a child or young adult is more important to us than any trophy.
We want our gym to be a place where a young person can walk through the door and know:
You are welcome here.
You are worth investing in.
Your circumstances do not define you.
And you don't have to figure everything out alone.
Inspire & Aspire also connects with our Junior & Assistant Coach Program, where teens and pre-teens can learn how to be professional, understand child development, provide safe and appropriate support, and even earn certifications such as CPR and First Aid.
We've had the incredible opportunity to take our kids to meet the amazing Coach Carter, thanks to the support of the Be Bright Initiative, and experiences like that remind us why these programs matter so much. They also travel to competitions, recieved recognition at the Jr Olympic Games, have been praised for stepping in to help without asking during competition venue mishaps. These kids are amazing PEOPLE not just amazing athletes.
Our Junior & Assistant Coach program doesn't just help us develop great coaches. It helps young people develop real-world skills, confidence, leadership experience, professional experience, and a stronger resume as they begin navigating adulthood.
We aren't just trying to create great athletes.
We're trying to create strong, capable, compassionate adults and members of our community.
📍 WE NEED YOUR HELP!
We are currently looking for space in Marble Hill, Sikeston, Chaffee, and Cape Girardeau so we can bring Inspire & Aspire closer to families who aren't able to travel to our gym.
We are looking for a space in each community just ONE DAY A MONTH where we can provide programming, support, and connection to ACA families in those areas.
If you know of a church, community center, business, gym, studio, organization, or other space that may be willing to partner with us, please send us a message!
And if you know a teen or young adult who may benefit from Inspire & Aspire, send them our way. ❤️
If you'd like to donate, sponsor a participant, provide resources, or partner with us, we would be incredibly grateful for your support.
Our goals at ACA have always been bigger than competition.
The athletes we are creating are a reflection of our vision, our community, and the people who choose to invest in them.
Thank you for continuing to believe in what we're building. ❤️
Inspire them.
Aspire with them.
Give them a place to belong.
— Coach Rachel
ACA Elite Allstar Cheer, Dance & Tumbling
