Press Room

San Diego, Calif., October 8, 2025 – The American Council on Exercise (ACE) is proud to announce its support of Project COURAGE, a Matrix Fitness initiative expanding opportunities for students and professionals at the 107 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the United States. The project is designed to open doors for those interested in fitness-related fields and to strengthen community through greater access to education and resources. 

“At our core, ACE is an education organization,” said Anthony J. Wall, PhD, ACE National Spokesperson and Global Wellness Ambassador. “By supporting this initiative, we can help equip HBCU students and professionals with the knowledge and credentials they need to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives—especially in communities that too often lack access to these types of health resources.” 

ACE will contribute to Project COURAGE by donating 60 study programs and certification exams over the next year. Matrix Fitness will activate the Project COURAGE Advisory Panel to engage the HBCU network, select and award the certification programs to students and professionals pursuing personal training or group fitness instruction. Together, ACE and Matrix Fitness aim to address health inequities, expand access to fitness opportunities, and inspire communities to embrace active, healthier lifestyles. 

“Project COURAGE was created to provide real opportunities for students and professionals at HBCUs to thrive in the fitness industry,” said Rebecca Peoples, collegiate recreation east region manager at Matrix Fitness. “Partnering with ACE allows us to expand our impact, ensuring more individuals can gain the tools and credentials they need to transform not only their own futures, but also the health and wellness of the communities they serve.” 

Project COURAGE, launched in July 2023 by Matrix Fitness, is a national initiative supporting HBCUs by fostering education, professional development, and a sense of belonging in the fitness industry. Through scholarships, workshops, networking, product training, and access to the Matrix Learning Center and Research Hub, underrepresented students and professionals are empowered to explore health and wellness careers while advancing equity and inclusion across the industry. Through support from partners like ACE, Project COURAGE is increasing opportunities and programming, expanding its reach to serve more HBCU students and staff nationwide. 

ACE contributions to this initiative underscore the organization’s commitment to empowering health and exercise professionals, supporting public health, and advancing inclusion to physical activity. 

For more information about Project COURAGE, visit www.ProjectCOURAGEbyMatrix.com. 

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About the American Council on Exercise (ACE)   

Since 1985, the American Council on Exercise (ACE) has been the leading non-profit education and certification provider for health coaches and exercise professionals in the United States and around the world. 

With more than 90,000 highly respected certified health coaches and exercise professionals, ACE Certified Professionals are on the ground daily helping people move, stay active and make lasting lifestyle behavior changes to build healthier communities. 

Headquartered in San Diego, ACE collaborates with public health partners to educate people of all backgrounds about the importance of physical activity and other healthy lifestyle behaviors; advocates for public policies to increase physical activity opportunities; and supports scientific research that investigates the efficacy of behavior-change interventions and the effectiveness of exercise practices and trends. Learn more at acefitness.org. 

 About Matrix Fitness  

Matrix Fitness (matrixfitness.com) is the leading commercial fitness brand in the world and is the premium brand of Johnson Health Tech. Matrix offers a complete portfolio of cardiovascular, group training and strength training equipment for health clubs, hotels and other fitness facilities. 

 About Johnson Health Tech 

Johnson Health Tech, Inc. (JHT), Taiwan, is among the world’s largest and fastest-growing fitness equipment manufacturers and is home to some of the most respected brands in the fitness industry, including Matrix, Vision and Horizon. The company manufactures a wide assortment of fitness equipment for both commercial and residential use, including treadmills, elliptical trainers, exercise bikes and strength training equipment. JHT’s global management headquarters is based in Taichung, Taiwan, with global product development, marketing and engineering based in Cottage Grove, Wis.