Mission & History 

The Alamo City Electrathon (ACE), founded in 2017, builds partnerships between educational institutions and industry leaders to offer high school and community college students hands-on STEM experiences. Through the ACE Invitational, students connect classroom learning to real-world applications, gaining inspiration and insight into STEM career opportunities. 

ACE promotes STEM education in the San Antonio area by giving students the opportunity to build and race electric vehicles. With support from local partners, ACE helps school districts in south San Antonio and South Texas cover vehicle construction costs and provides mentorship to ensure success. The event also supports students who otherwise may not have access to such opportunities, providing them with valuable STEM experiences. 

Looking forward, ACE plans to expand its network across the region, showcasing local STEM programs and career opportunities, and inspiring students to pursue careers in these fields. 

Program Description 

The mission of the Alamo City Electrathon (ACE) is to foster and encourage partnerships between educational institutions and industry partners. The ACE Invitational was created as an academic opportunity for student programs in high school and community colleges. Our vision is to generate excitement and awareness of vocational opportunities associated with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). By offering students in our region a real-world, hands-on learning experience like no other, we are bringing STEM home to the future workforce of America. 

The ACE Invitational began in 2017 with six high school teams. By 2019, participation grew, with teams from Boerne, Lytle, Northside ISD, San Antonio College, and St. Phillip’s College joining in. In 2024, SoTx proudly hosted ACE at the Freeman Coliseum, featuring 20 teams from South Texas. 

In April 2025, we will celebrate the 7th Annual ACE, welcoming 30 teams with five new student teams and schools, including ones from the rural regions of South San Antonio and South Texas. One of the new teams will focus on empowering young women in STEM, highlighting the importance of increasing female representation in these fields. Additionally, hosting this year’s event at the San Antonio Police Academy provides valuable opportunities to educate students about safety, leadership, and career paths in public service, while also connecting them to STEM-related fields in law enforcement and public safety technology.