Guidelines
Purpose:
The Aria Camille Empowerment (ACE) Program was established in memory of Aria Lott, a gifted singer, songwriter, artist, entrepreneur, and educator who devoted her life to helping students with special needs while navigating her own lifelong journey with epilepsy.
Inspired by Aria’s resilience and commitment to others, the ACE Program empowers individuals with disabilities and caregivers from low-to-moderate income households to pursue education, career advancement, entrepreneurship, greater independence, and the fullness of life.
Selected participants receive a $1,000 Empowerment Award and a personalized, holistic support plan. Depending on each participant’s goals and circumstances, wraparound support may include:
Mentorship and professional development
Transportation and mobility assistance
Food and essential-needs support
Health and wellness planning
Financial literacy education
Workforce readiness and career coaching
Entrepreneurship resources
Connections to community services and opportunities
The ACE Program is more than a financial award. It is a personalized pathway designed to help participants overcome barriers, strengthen their stability, and move toward long-term success.
Mission of the TSOS “Do Good” Foundation:
The TSOS “Do Good” Foundation connects individuals with disabilities who may require lower levels of support, along with their caregivers, from low-to-moderate income households to resources, opportunities, and personalized support. Through holistic workforce development, mentorship, wellness, education, storytelling, and community partnerships, we empower individuals and families to experience the fullness of life.
Vision:
We envision communities where no individual feels forgotten, overlooked, or excluded because of a disability and where individuals with disabilities and their caregivers have equitable access to the resources, opportunities, and support needed to thrive.
2026 ACE Empowerment Award Details:
For the 2026 program cycle, selected participants will each receive a $1,000 Empowerment Award. The total number of awards will be determined by available funding and approved by the TSOS “Do Good” Foundation Board of Directors.
Previous ACE participants may be considered for continued support when they demonstrate meaningful progress, remain actively engaged with the program, and satisfy all renewal requirements. Continued participation and financial support are not guaranteed and will be determined based on individual need, program engagement, available resources, and Board approval.
Awards for educational or trade-school expenses will be distributed after the recipient provides proof of enrollment or registration at an accredited college, university, community college, or trade or vocational school. Awards supporting entrepreneurship, workforce development, or other approved advancement goals may require appropriate documentation, such as a business plan, professional development plan, training registration, budget, invoice, or other verification of the intended use.
Eligibility Criteria (ACE Scholarship Program Applicants):
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Have a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act or be the primary caregiver of an individual with a disability.
Reside in a low-to-moderate income household.
Be pursuing an eligible education, employment, trade, entrepreneurship, or professional-development goal.
Demonstrate a commitment to personal growth, greater independence, career advancement, or entrepreneurship.
Demonstrate community involvement, leadership, perseverance, academic improvement, or progress toward clearly defined personal or professional goals.
Complete at least 20 hours of documented community service. Approved service opportunities may be completed through the TSOS “Do Good” Foundation or another qualifying community organization.
Provide documentation supporting the proposed educational, workforce, trade, or entrepreneurial pathway.
Participate in an ACE Program orientation and individualized goal-setting process.
Maintain consistent communication and actively participate in required program activities.
Not be an immediate family member of a member of the Board of Directors, employee, or individual involved in selecting recipients.
Additional Requirements for Education and Trade Applicants:
Applicants pursuing college, university, or trade-school enrollment must:
Be a graduating high school senior, current college student, graduate student, or individual accepted into an accredited trade or vocational program during the award year.
Maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average or equivalent “B” average. Applicants whose academic record does not fully reflect their potential may provide additional information explaining their progress or extenuating circumstances.
Provide proof of acceptance, enrollment, or registration from an accredited institution or program.
Submit a current transcript or other acceptable documentation of academic performance.
Additional Requirements for Entrepreneurs:
Applicants pursuing entrepreneurship must:
Own or be actively developing a business.
Provide a brief description of the business, its products or services, and the community need it addresses.
Explain how the ACE Empowerment Award and wraparound support will contribute to the business owner’s stability, growth, or professional development.
Provide an estimated budget or intended use of the award.
General Instructions:
Application deadline: Applications must be submitted by October 30, 2026 at 5:00 pm Central Time. Late applications will not be considered.
Applicants should review the application checklist carefully and submit all required supporting documents.
Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Applications must be typed or completed clearly and legibly.
Applicants will be notified by email regarding the status of their application by November 20, 2026 at 5:00 pm Central Time.
Finalists may be asked to participate in an interview or provide additional documentation.
Submission of an application does not guarantee selection or financial assistance.
Award decisions are final and based on eligibility, demonstrated need, alignment with the ACE Program, available funding, and the overall strength of the application.
All personal and disability-related information will be handled with care and used solely for eligibility review, program planning, impact measurement, and other appropriate administrative purposes.
Communication Commitment:
Applicants and selected participants must respond to communications from the TSOS “Do Good” Foundation within three to five business days unless another deadline is provided. Failure to maintain timely communication or participate in required activities may affect an applicant’s eligibility or a participant’s continued involvement in the program.
Questions:
Questions regarding the ACE Program or application process may be directed to:
Dennis Powell, MBA
Executive Director
The TSOS “Do Good” Foundation
dennis@thesoulofsanta.org
