A Year in Review

2020-21 Highlights

INJAZ UAE Financial Literacy Workshops

DECEMBER 2020

19 Elementary School, 31 Middle School and 17 High School students attended online workshops in financial literacy hosted by INJAZ UAE (a member of Junior Achievement Worldwide) in partnership with ExxonMobil, McKinsey, Oliver Wyman, and Deloitte. Students learned about wise spending, saving and being a smart consumer. The more advanced workshops covered the basics of investing in the stock market and the variety of jobs available in the financial sector.

ACS Social Innovators Partnership

FEBRUARY 2021

Nine ACS students successfully completed a 12-week course and earned certificates in Social Entrepreneurship from the Social Innovators Program in partnership with University of Pennsylvania, ACS and Schoolyard Ventures. Developing an entrepreneurial mindset while in High School gives students substantive advantages for the future.

5th #MyFreedomDay @ ACS

MARCH 4-16, 2021

For five years, ACS has joined CNN #MyFreedomDay, a day of action to end modern-day slavery. ACS has incorporated #MyFreedomDay into its educational program. Today, all students of all ages learn about what it means to be free and how to advocate for those who are not. Segment shot live from ACS campus with CNN International news anchor and Managing Editor, Becky Anderson.

2021 International School Award Winner

JANUARY 2021

ACS won the Future-Thinking Innovators Award at the 2021 International School Awards for its innovative and cutting-edge Middle School technology program.

AWARD WINNER 2021

ACS on CNN

FEBRUARY 23, 2021

ACS was featured by CNN as an example of how schools reopened safely and remain open during the global pandemic.

4th Recipient of Haitham Award

APRIL 2021

Taylor Campbell (Grade 11) named the fourth recipient of the Haitham Zamzam Al Hammadi Medal of International Friendship. Launched in 2018 by the Abu Dhabi Executive Affairs Authority (EAA) in honor of a former ACS alum and trustee, the annual award recognizes a student for their contributions to positive and productive global citizenry.

Accenture Gen Z Panel Discussion

MAY 2021

ACS students were invited to join a virtual discussion with Yale undergraduate and CEO of JUV Consulting, Ziad Ahmed, who shared how he created his own business just by being himself and leveraging his own skills. This panel discussion was produced in partnership with ACS corporate partner, Accenture.

Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI) Competition

JUNE 2021

Two ACS students placed 3rd Place for ECO Tap, a product they designed to reduce water consumption and promote hand washing hygiene, compatible with any faucet for client, Dettol Arabia. Other ACS teams participated by submitting design proposals for client, Global Village Dubai.

International Student Podcast Competition

MAY 2021

Hundreds of students from 42 schools and 26 countries around the world participated in ACS’ International Student Podcast Competition, envisioned by Jared Rodgers, ACS Tech Integrator. Students Grades 5 - 12 were asked to create a podcast submission on any topic that inspired them. The two grand prize winners were “The Diaries of a Third Culture Kid” and “Peace by Chocolate.”

3rd Annual UAE Student Film Festival

MAY 30, 2021

The festival showcased the work of ACS’ budding filmmakers. 75 students attended in person to view short films in many categories. 35 awards recognized the students’ hard work. We are grateful to our corporate partner Vox Cinemas for annually supporting this event and to Randy Girdner, Festival Creator and ACS Film/TV Production teacher.

In-Person 2021 Graduation

JUNE 4, 2021

ACS held its 2021 graduation ceremony in person at the Emirates Palace Auditorium for a limited number of staff, families and invited guests. The event was live streamed to more than 3,000 worldwide, more than double those that tuned in for the 2020 virtual graduation.