CHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) – The Atlantic Coast Conference will bring together student-athletes, coaches and administrators from all 18 member institutions for the fifth annual ACC Unity Tour, taking place July 12–15 in Washington, D.C.
The ACC Unity Tour is a signature initiative of ACC UNITE, reflecting the conference's ongoing commitment to preparing student-athletes to lead both on campus and in their communities through immersive learning experiences beyond competition.
"One of the defining experiences our conference provides is the annual Unity Tour, and we are proud to continue this incredible opportunity that brings together student-athletes and campus leaders from across the league," said ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips, Ph.D. "Each year, this important initiative further evolves, and we are proud to provide new experiences that reinforce the unique ability of athletics to connect people, strengthen communities and prepare the next generation of leaders.”
Each ACC institution is invited to send six representatives—four student-athletes and two coaches or administrators—to participate in the four-day experience.
This year's program will examine the intersection of sport, leadership and diplomacy while providing opportunities to engage with policymakers, historians and community leaders. Participants will explore how athletics can serve as a bridge across campuses and communities, foster collaboration across differences and create lasting impact.
Highlights of the 2026 ACC Unity Tour include visits to the:
- National Archives
- United States Supreme Court
- Smithsonian museums
- U.S. Capitol, including conversations with members of Congress
Since its inception in 2022, the ACC Unity Tour has become one of the conference's premier student-athlete leadership initiatives. The inaugural tour in 2022 visited Selma and Montgomery, Alabama, followed by Washington, D.C., in 2023, where participants explored civil rights landmarks and commemorated the 50th anniversary of Title IX. In 2024, the tour traveled to Charleston, South Carolina, before returning to Alabama in 2025 with visits to Selma, Montgomery and Tuskegee to continue exploring the people, places and events that have shaped American history.
ACC Unity Statement
“We, the ACC, are committed to seeing each other as equals and treating each other with respect and dignity at all times; recognizing that our differences don’t divide us, but they make us stronger.”
About the ACC
The Atlantic Coast Conference, in its 74th year and 18 members strong, stands as one of the most competitive and revered intercollegiate conferences in the nation. ACC members, including Boston College, Cal, Clemson, Duke, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Miami, North Carolina, NC State, Notre Dame, Pitt, SMU, Stanford, Syracuse, Virginia, Virginia Tech, and Wake Forest, are dedicated to upholding the league's founding values of academic excellence, athletic competition at the highest level, and integrity. The ACC supports 28 NCAA sports, with 15 for women and 13 for men, and its member institutions span 12 states. In August 2019, the ACC and ESPN partnered to launch ACC Network (ACCN), a 24/7 national network exclusively devoted to ACC sports and original programming. For more information, visit theACC.com and follow the ACC on Instagram (@accsports), Twitter/X (@theACC) and Facebook (facebook.com/theACC).