About Us
Creating Pathways for All Children to Experience the Joy and Personal Growth That Skating Brings.
The Mission
Every Child Deserves the Chance To Discover Their Potential.
Ice skating can build courage, focus, and resilience, but cost and access still keep many children off the ice. Unity Ice Academy works to change that. Our free and low-cost programs combine figure skating, education, and mentorship for children ages 5 to 13 across Los Angeles County. By removing financial and systemic barriers, we give young people more ways to learn, belong, and discover what they can do.
Our Impact
Growing on and off the Ice.
Our vision to make ice skating more accessible began with our first summer camp, which welcomed 55 children from Long Beach, Lakewood, and Compton. Today, Unity Ice Academy serves hundreds of young skaters through programs year round. As the community grows, families, volunteers, and supporters help us create more opportunities, both on and off the ice.
Free Summer Camp 
Our month-long Summer Camp runs four weeks, five days a week, and is completely free. Each summer, up to 80 children receive daily on-ice instruction, off-ice conditioning and ballet, academic enrichment, character development workshops, guest speakers, and field trips, with skates and equipment provided.
After-School Program
Our affordable After School Program combines weekly skating with academic support, mentorship, and leadership development in a safe, encouraging environment.
Competitive Synchronized Skating Team
Our synchronized skating team grew out of our own programs: 11 skaters who have trained together since early childhood. They practice twice a week through a low-cost model, with scholarships for families facing financial barriers, and took first place at both the Fall Classic and Pacific Coast Sectionals. Meet the team.
Community Partnerships
We partner with elite athletes, educators, mentors, and sponsors who share our commitment to access. Their support funds scholarships, ice time, coaching, equipment, and academic and wellness programming, so no child is turned away because of cost. Become a sponsor.
U.S. Figure Skating and Learn to Skate USA Member
Unity Ice Academy is a registered U.S. Figure Skating and Learn to Skate USA program, so our skaters build their skills on the sport's national curriculum from their very first lessons.
Founder
Ashleigh Ellis
Ashleigh Ellis founded Unity Ice Academy with a vision to make the ice a place where young people can discover confidence, opportunity, and a stronger sense of what's possible. Her passion continues to shape every part of the organization and the community it serves.
Head Coach & On-Ice Director
Starr Andrews
Team USA skater Starr Andrews is a cornerstone of Unity Ice Academy's growth, serving as Head Coach and On-Ice Director while competing at the highest levels of U.S. figure skating. In 2022, she made history as the first African American woman to earn a singles medal on the Grand Prix circuit.
Starr brings that experience, encouragement, and love for the sport to every session. She helps young skaters build strong fundamentals and believe in their potential, and shows children who rarely see themselves reflected at the elite level what is possible on the ice.
Your Support Has Life Changing Impact.
Help remove barriers, create access, and open doors for children who deserve the chance to dream bigger.