When Rohan Gupta first enrolled in the ACS Foundation as a high school student, he was like many others—bright, capable, but in need of guidance.

His physician father recognized that Rohan’s verbal and reading skills were not up to par, so he enrolled him in the ACS program to help him grow. Initially, his academic strengths were mathematics, logic, and reasoning, but he needed more than just traditional tutoring. What he found at ACS was a transformative experience that helped him unlock his full potential.

“I was a student who needed both structure and intellectual challenge. ACS gave me that and so much more,” Rohan recalls.

Tailoring Education to Every Student

At the ACS Foundation, education is not a one-size-fits-all model.

“We believe education should be personal, purposeful, and transformative,” says Mr. C. William Coakley, president of the ACS Foundation. “Every student deserves to be recognized as a whole person and engaged with intention.”

The ACS philosophy is rooted in the idea that education goes beyond academic success. It focuses on the holistic development of students, intellectually, personally, and professionally. ACS creates individualized learning plans for each student, ensuring their strengths and weaknesses are nurtured.

For Rohan, this meant working with Mr. Coakley to tailor his curriculum around reading, writing, and grammar while leveraging his math and logic strengths. Rohan’s time at ACS equipped him with the skills to score a 35 on the ACT, with individual scores of 35 in both reading and English proving that when students are given the right tools, they can achieve extraordinary results.

Long-Term Mentorship and College Prep: More than Just Test Scores

ACS is not just about preparing students for exams; it’s about preparing them for life. When students join the program, they are mentored and guided through every step of their academic journey. This includes one-on-one support in college research—helping them understand which schools would best align with their values, goals, and interests. Rather than focusing solely on Ivy League schools, ACS emphasizes finding the best fit for each student.

This philosophy extends to the writing process as well. “We don’t just help students write essays; we help them tell their stories,” explains Rohan.

ACS’s writing program is unique in that it focuses on personal identity—helping students craft essays that reflect who they are, what they stand for, and how they will contribute to the college community. During his college application process, Rohan worked through several drafts of his personal essays, with Mr. Coakley guiding him through every step—sometimes revising upwards of 30 drafts to ensure they were perfect.

This process was transformative for Rohan, and he uses these skills today in his academic and professional life, from internship applications to research positions at the University of Michigan, where he currently majors in Aerospace Engineering.
A Commitment to Building Leaders

ACS’s impact extends far beyond the classroom. The foundation believes proper education involves more than academic growth; it fosters leadership, humility, and character. During the summer, all students must read one book per week, attend community service events, and participate in workshops that teach skills like public speaking, financial literacy, and leadership.

ACS alums frequently return to the foundation as mentors and volunteers, further solidifying its long-term commitment to its students. Many continue to mentor current students, helping them navigate their paths to success.

In 2023, the ACS Foundation expanded its mission by creating the Dawson College Bound (DCB) program. Partnering with the Alexander Dawson Foundation, DCB focuses on providing free college advising and test preparation for low- to middle-income students who demonstrate excellence in leadership, academics, and character. Students in the program receive support to improve their college application profiles, gain access to mentorship, and attend workshops designed to prepare them for college life’s academic and social challenges.

Sam Kiki, one of ACS’s students states, “I grew up in Vegas. My dad was an immigrant from Syria, making $6 or $7 an hour. Some older students I knew at Green Valley High School were going to see Mr. C. I didn’t know how I was going to pay the bill. He said Don’t worry about it. We initially borrowed $800 from a neighbor to attend an ACS summer prep course. Following the course, Mr. C sponsored me for 4 years of college preparation seminars.”

Mr. Coakley wants his services to be accessible to low-middle-income families and under-resourced students. ACS doesn’t just provide college admissions and test prep. The foundation also provides intellectual & personal development, which is important to every student’s career, and was especially the case with Sam Kiki. The program believes in leadership, humility, and character.

Beyond Academic Success

While ACS’s students consistently achieve high academic success, the foundation places an equal emphasis on leadership, community service, and self-reflection. By engaging students in peer-led initiatives and community-driven projects, ACS reinforces the lessons taught in the classroom. Workshops focus on critical reasoning & writing, intellectual curiosity, and values exploration— all of which play a critical role in students’ personal development.

ACS Foundation’s commitment to students doesn’t end when they graduate high school. Many students, like Rohan, continue to receive support through internships, college guidance, and alumni mentorship. This ongoing relationship is a testament to the foundation’s belief that education is a lifelong journey, not a destination.

Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders

The ACS Foundation isn’t just shaping students’ academic futures and their lives. By providing personalized support, mentorship, and opportunities for intellectual and personal growth, ACS empowers students to navigate future challenges with confidence, responsibility, and purpose.

For students like Rohan, Sam Kiki and many others, the foundation’s impact goes far beyond test scores. ACS helps students realize their potential and gives them the tools to transform their dreams into reality.