The ACE Mentor Program: The ACE (Architects, Constructors, Engineers) Mentor Program is a national not-for-profit organization with chapters throughout the United States. The mission of the program is twofold: Engage, excite and enlighten high school students to pursue careers in the integrated construction industry through mentoring and to support their continued advancement in the industry through scholarships and grants. Students are recruited from both public and private high schools throughout an area, with special efforts made to reach thetraditionally underrepresented populations of women and minorities.

Program Format: Students are assigned to teams led by volunteer mentors from firms representing architects, construction managers, engineers (civil, structural, mechanical, electrical and environmental) and owners. Teams meet after school every other week with meetings held in the offices of mentor firms. Each team selects a project and goes through the entire design process learning various skills along the way. In addition to “office” meetings, teams go on field trips to actual construction sites. At the end of the school year, the teams gather to present their projects to assembled mentors, family and friends, much as an actual design team would present to a client.

Scholarships: All active participating seniors who intend to pursue related fields at accredited institutions may apply for ACE scholarships. Since inception, the ACE Program of American has awarded over $7.2 million in scholarships. Students can access the list of schools on the ACE website www.acementor.org . The students will be able to see the schools, the majors that they are offering and the financial package available.