Start a Program

getting started

Thank you for your interest in starting an ACEing Autism program in your community! We are excited to continue expanding across the United States and are very interested in connecting with you to help us achieve our mission. We have two different types of programming that you can get involved in: Community and School-Based.

Community Process

As you review the information below, keep in mind that every location has at least two leaders in order to provide the best support possible for our parents, participants, and volunteers. All high-school Program Directors are required to have at least one adult as a co-leader, on and off court.

Program Directors are responsible for planning and running a successful weekly tennis program using the ACEing Autism curriculum. They are responsible for recruiting volunteers and participants, logistics, and communication with the incredible community they form while running the program.

All great things start with a conversation and connection. If you’re interested in learning more about starting a program, the best thing you can do is review the First Serve Community Manual and complete our Program Director Application so we can start a conversation with you!

We love to plan ahead, so all community-based program launches are planned 4-6 months in advance. You will receive support from the ACEing Autism staff during all steps of the process.

Step 1

Review website, First Serve Manual, and videos to familiarize self with ACEing Autism.


4-6 months prior to launch.

Step 2

Complete Program Director Application and schedule introduction meeting with Programs Team.


4-5 months prior to launch.

Step 3

Begin program setup including marketing, recruiting and training.



3-4 months prior to launch.

Step 4

Virtual Autism and curriculum training takes place.




1-2 months prior to launch.

Step 5

ACEing Autism conducts in-person training and launches your program.

What We Provide

On-court and administrative training (including curriculum and administrative tools)
Equipment (racquets, mini-nets, balls, hoppers, shirts, medals, etc.)

Liability Insurance

Autism on-court support (as needed)

Marketing support

What We Ask From You

A commitment of at least 2 years

To find a location, volunteers, and a minimum of 5 participants

Ability to run 2 sessions a year with a length of 6 weeks per session

Leadership from at least 2 individuals

School-Based Process

Our school-based program can be delivered by your PE teacher, a teacher with an interest in tennis, an ABA therapist, or, when necessary, we can help to fill the position with a local tennis pro.

All great things start with a conversation and connection and we would love to tell you more about how our program can benefit your school, teachers, and students. If you’re interested in learning more about starting a program, the best thing you can do is schedule a meeting and review the First Serve Manual (provided in the meeting confirmation) so we can start a conversation with you!

Step 1

Review website, First Serve Manual, and videos to familiarize self with ACEing Autism.

3-6 months prior to launch.

Step 2

Schedule introduction meeting with Programs Team and complete School & District Initial Application.

2-3 months prior to launch.

Step 3

Comprehensive planning and training with ACEing Autism team begins and the program launches.

1 month up through launch

What We Provide

On-court training (includes curriculum)

Equipment (racquets, mini-nets, balls, hoppers, shirts, medals, etc.)

Liability Insurance

What We Ask From You

A commitment of at least 2 years

Participant data collection and submission

Ability to run for 6+ hours each semester

Digital training resources