The Academic Challenge Enrichment (ACE) program was initiated in late February of 2003.

Today, the ACE program is a support services program for first time freshmen who do not meet the regular admissions requirements to the University at Buffalo, but who show great potential for academic success. The goal of the ACE program is to provide academic support services that enable students to maximize their abilities, and persist toward graduation from the University at Buffalo in a timely fashion. The ACE program enhances diversity at the University at Buffalo by welcoming in a broader range of academically talented students.

As a member of the ACE program, students are able to take advantage of the many of the services and programs that the CADS program has to offer. Students also benefit from individualized advising, free tutoring, a Peer Mentoring program and opportunities to attend workshops on various topics.