In a White House press release, President Obama said, “Through their commitment to education and innovation, these individuals and organizations are playing a crucial role in the development of our 21st-century workforce. Our nation owes them a debt of gratitude for helping ensure that America remains the global leader in science and engineering for years to come.”

The ACE Mentor Program is an industry-driven and supported partnership among architecture, construction, and engineering professionals — architects; mechanical, structural, electrical, environmental and civil engineers; construction managers; craftspeople in the skilled trades; college and university representatives; and others — who work together to attract young people to their professions. Some of the largest companies in the industry have joined together in supporting ACE, from Thornton Tomasetti and Turner Construction Co. to Gilbane Building Co. Inc. and EMCOR Group Inc. Volunteer mentors across the nation immerse high school students in hands-on activities, designed to realistically simulate the process of designing and constructing a project. In return, the industry attracts new talent.

Recent quantitative research shows the results of the ACE Mentor Program:

• Participants graduate high school at a higher rate than non-ACE participants.

• Forty percent of ACE alumni go into one of the engineering fields.

• ACE increases diversity in university architecture, construction, and engineering enrollment.

The ACE Mentor Program was founded in 1995 by the principals of leading design and construction firms. Its mission is to engage, excite, and enlighten high school students to pursue careers in architecture, engineering, and construction through mentoring and to support their continued advancement in the industry. ACE’s 62 affiliates in 40 states organize 1,800 mentors to deliver a 15-session after-school program to almost 8,000 students. For more information, visit www.acementor.org/495.

Publication date: 12/19/2011