Every certificate earned, every first year completed, every new skill mastered begins with a story.

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be highlighting participants and graduates from ACE MV programs across Martha’s Vineyard—students who are balancing work, family, and study while building something bigger for themselves and for the Island community.

These are stories of persistence, of returning to the classroom after time away, of stepping into new industries, and of choosing growth even when it isn’t easy. We’re proud to share just a few of them here.

Electrical Apprenticeship Program

This spring, we’re especially excited to be celebrating the completion of our first on-Island cohort of electrical apprentices in partnership with Upper Cape Technical School. 22 students have completed the full four years of classroom hours plus hundreds of apprenticeship hours working under master electricians.  

For many of these students, the journey starts long before certification. It starts with curiosity—about how things work, how buildings are powered, and how to turn a skill into a sustainable career. Week after week, night after night, they’ve shown up to challenge themselves, learning the technical foundations that will carry them forward in the electrical trade.

This milestone represents more than completed coursework—it marks the beginning of a pathway toward licensure, opportunity, and long-term career growth.

Over 65 students completed Electrical Code & Theory Levels 1-4 this year; we’re proud of all of their hard work!

“Ace MV is the best program because they truly care about helping us succeed. They always check in on us, support us through the electrical program, and make sure we’re doing good every step of the way. This program is extremely helpful, because I get to study the course I want, without leaving the Vineyard, which also allows me to do my internship here, and get my hours on the field while in school.”

— Gabriel Borges

Early Childhood Education ( ECE )

Not all milestones happen in a classroom—and sometimes they’re the result of years of dedication finally coming full circle.

We’re proud to celebrate Andri Coca, who earned her Early Childhood Education Teacher Certificate from Cape Cod Community College. This achievement reflects a deep commitment to young learners and the educators who shape their earliest experiences.

For those who work in early childhood education, this is more than a credential. It’s a commitment to nurturing curiosity, supporting families, and building strong foundations for children across Martha’s Vineyard. We’re proud to celebrate Andri and all of the ACE MV ECE students this spring!

RTAP Teaching Apprenticeship Program

Some pathways take shape slowly—through mentorship, study sessions, and steady progress over time.

ACE MV partners with Martha’s Vineyard Public Schools and Fitchburg State University to support a cohort of teaching apprentices working toward bachelor’s degrees and teaching licenses in Special Education. Along the way, apprentices are gaining hands-on experience in Island classrooms while continuing their academic journey.

Right now, ACE MV is supporting five apprentices with advising, enrollment support, and wraparound services designed to help them stay on track and succeed.

Recently, these students gathered for study sessions preparing for the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL), a major step on the path to becoming certified teachers. This spring, five students completed their first year in the program, marking an important milestone in their journey.

Upcoming Courses

Join us for a 5-week class exploring the basics of the Brazilian Portuguese language and culture with Instructor Maria Angela Moreira!

Learn the essentials for everyday conversation, including greetings, getting to know someone, and sharing a bit about yourself. You will also learn bits and pieces about the Brazilian culture along the way! This class is intended for beginners.

Save the Date:

ACE MV is excited to partner with Stillpoint to host author and educator Kathleen DeLaski for a talk featuring her book, “Who Needs College Anymore? Imagining a Future Where Degrees Won’t Matter”. Community panel and reception to follow.

August 7, 5:00 – 6:30 pm

Stillpoint, West Tisbury

MVRHS Building Project: Vote Yes!

Dear friends of ACE MV,

I’m writing to be sure you are aware of an important Island-wide vote happening on Tuesday of next week. For many years, school officials and building committee members have worked tirelessly to secure state funding in support of the much-needed renovations and upgrades proposed for the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School.

What you may not know is this: A major part of the proposed renovation/addition project is a substantial overhaul of the school’s Career and Technical Education wing. This is the section of the high school where trades and career-focused education occurs — and it is the part of the school most critical to ACE MV’s ability to deliver quality workforce programming to all Island residents.

As of now, these classrooms and spaces are woefully inadequate, and do not meet state standards. REGARDLESS OF HOW WE VOTE AS AN ISLAND ON TUESDAY, RENOVATION OF CTE SPACES ARE MANDATED BY THE STATE AND WILL BE PAID FOR BY ISLAND TAXPAYERS IN THE NEXT TEN YEARS. Only, without the state reimbursement, taxpayers will bear the burden of these expenses  entirely on our own.

If you are registered to vote on Island, I urge you to show up to your local polling place on Tuesday, June 2nd, and be sure to vote in support of this necessary project.

For more information on the proposed high school project, please visit the following links:

MV Times Article “Fate of MVRHS project in hands of Island voters“

School Building Project Website

MVRHS Project Tax Impact Calculator (By Town)

Please see polling information below to learn how and where to vote in your town, and mark your calendars to VOTE YES on Tuesday!

A Vote for a New High School is a Vote for Island Futures!

Alexandra Bullen Coutts

Executive Director, ACE MV

Voting Information

Voting locations for June 2 with polls open from 11 am to 7 pm:

• Aquinnah: Aquinnah Town Hall, 955 State Road

• Chilmark: Chilmark Community Center, 520 South Road

• Edgartown: Edgartown Town Hall, 70 Main St.

• Oak Bluffs: Oak Bluffs Library, 56R School St.

• Tisbury: Emergency Services Facility, 215 Spring St.

• West Tisbury: West Tisbury Public Safety Building, 452 State Road

Absentee/Early Voting

Voters who are unable to vote on election day can vote absentee, in person, at your town’s voting location until Monday, June 1 at noon.