CONSTRUCTION INCLUSION WEEK PARTNERS
ACE Mentor Program of America
Founded in 1994 by Dr. Charles Thornton, the ACE Mentor Program of America connects high school students with professionals in architecture, construction, and engineering. The program focuses on recruiting underrepresented students, introducing them to technical careers through practical project exposure. Since its inception, ACE has awarded more than $47 million in scholarships for higher education and trade schools.
ACE PROGRAM OF AMERICA
KEY PROGRAMMING
Design Teams
& Projects
Students join biweekly design teams led by practicing architects, structural engineers, and project managers, working through simulated urban design projects from initial concept through scale model completion.
Industry Site
Visits
Mentors lead site visits to active commercial construction developments, firm offices, and university research labs to demonstrate real-world project workflows.
COLLEGE & APPRENTICESHIP
TRANSITION SUPPORT
When students graduate, ACE assists them in transitioning into college design programs, trade apprenticeships, or summer industry internships.
ACE PROGRAM OF AMERICA
IMPACT & KEY METRICS
In scholarships for higher education awarded since ACE’s inception
14,000+
Registered students: enrolled across 70-plus affiliates nationwide in 2025–26.
9,633
Program completers in 2025-26, the highest completion number in ACE Mentor history.
66%
Retention rate, outpacing the benchmark for typical after-school programs.
NEARLY
4,500
mentors finished the year alongside students nationwide, another program record
HOW TO ENGAGE:
Whether you are a student or a prospective mentor, ACE has programming for you to make a difference. Check out the Student Registration & Affiliate Finder, Scholarship Portal & Career Resources, and ACE Mentors Literature to learn more.
YOU CAN ALSO REACH OUT TO ACE'S POINT OF CONTACT:
Paulette Dallas,
Director of Partnership Engagement
PDALLAS@ACEMENTOR.ORG | 310.422.5186
