Founded in 1999 by a group of Penn students, Ase‘s mission is to create a community of young leaders committed to personal excellence, community development, and the successful completion of high school toward opportunities to continue their education. Ase connects these middle and high school students to Penn mentors, exposing them to campus during weekly seminars and activities. Du Bois College House houses many of these endeavors and Du Bois residents often serve as mentors to young West Philadelphia students. Penn's Black Cultural Center, Makuu, additionally works with Ase’s undergraduate leaders to provide academic, arts, cultural, and community engagement opportunities for Ase’s participants.
