Press Releases

ACES Chase Academy Principal Featured in National STEM Publication

January 2nd, 2026

ACES Chase Academy Principal Featured in National STEM Publication

(Hamden, CT – December 8, 2025) — Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) is proud to announce that Dr. Frank LaBanca, Principal of ACES Chase Academy and a resident of Sandy Hook, Connecticut, is a contributing author in the newly released book STEM Century: It Takes a Village to Raise a 21st Century Graduate, AESA Edition. Published in collaboration with 21stCentury Ed and the Association of Educational Service Agencies (AESA), the book features voices from educational leaders across the country who are innovating STEM learning at the regional level.

STEM Century: It Takes a Village to Raise a 21st-Century Graduate, AESA Edition is available now for download on Amazon. To purchase, scan the QR code below or search the title on Amazon. The collection features insights from educational leaders nationwide including Dr. LaBanca and offers a national blueprint for advancing sustainable, equitable STEM education.

In his chapter titled "Creating Systems and Coherence to Support Project-Based Learning in STEAM," Dr. LaBanca offers a grounded and practical look at the critical infrastructures needed to support authentic project-based learning (PBL) experiences in real-world school settings. Drawing on his extensive background in STEAM education and leadership, Dr. LaBanca details how success in PBL is not the result of adopting a trend or framework alone, but of building strong systems, aligning visions, and fostering a culture of coherence throughout schools.

“When 21stCenturyEd invited me to contribute, I immediately knew I wanted to write about systems and coherence, the often unseen but essential structures that make high-quality project-based learning sustainable,” said Dr. LaBanca. “PBL doesn’t thrive because someone uses a new tool. It thrives when leaders align their vision, teachers collaborate meaningfully, and students are supported with structures that allow them to explore, create, and innovate with purpose.”

The book serves as a blueprint for educators, school and district leaders, ESAs, and community partners nationwide, providing guidance on expanding equitable access to high-quality STEM education, strengthening community and industry partnerships, and aligning workforce development with K–12 innovation.

Dr. Thomas M. Danehy, Executive Director of ACES, also commented on Dr. LaBanca’s achievement, stating, “Dr. LaBanca’s contribution reflects the heart of our mission at ACES. To lead with innovation and to create systemic supports that help all students succeed,” he said. “We are proud to see his thought leadership featured on a national platform.”

STEM Century: It Takes a Village to Raise a 21st Century Graduate, AESA Edition is now available through 21stCenturyEd and AESA. Educators, district leaders, and community partners interested in sustainable STEM and STEAM learning models are encouraged to explore this timely and inspiring collection of essays.

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About ACES:

Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) is the regional educational service center for New Haven and parts of Middlesex Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) is the regional educational service center for New Haven and parts of Middlesex and Fairfield Counties. ACES serves school districts through innovative programs and services that meet the needs of a changing educational landscape. ACES operates magnet, special education, and alternative schools, as well as providing a wide range of educational services including professional development, transportation, translation, and adult vocational programs. Learn more at www.aces.org.