Palm Springs
About Us
ACE of Palm Springs helps area high school students to explore the many opportunities available in architecture, construction management and engineering. ACE provides industry contacts, mentorships, and scholarships for students interested in pursuing opportunities in the construction and design professions.
We are pleased to announce College of the Desert’s new Institute School of Real Estate Development, Design and Construction Management (IREDDC) beginning 2010 - 2011 will be an additional option for ACE students coming out of our local high school ACE program. The new COD program is intended to create a curriculum and certificate program that meets the needs of business and industry in real estate development, construction management and design. It is anticipated that a number of local ACE students will consider the IREDDC program as an excellent next step in their education and career track.ACE of Palm Springs (part of LA Metro ACE) began in January 2005 with students from Cathedral City, Coachella Valley and Indio High Schools. Our mentors come from the area's leading architecture, construction management and engineering firms. On average we are 50 high schools students, 6 dedicated mentors,18 mentor firms participating, several teachers, staff, parents and other volunteers. Students and mentors work together weekly afterschool on “real-life” design and planning projects.
Other activities include visits to construction sites, tours of local professional firms and presentations by industry experts. All are designed to enrich students' understanding of what building industry professionals do and of he opportunities available in the industry.
Our Team Projects
In response to a “mock” RFP (Request for Proposal), such as RFP for a light rail transit station for their school, teams of students work together on the project. In the course of the assignment the students are introduced to the challenges, rewards and diverse talents needed in ACE professions. They are also provided with the chance to gain basic instruction and experience in applying many of the same tools, technologies and techniques industry professionals use every day.
Team members present their final designs to families, teachers, mentors and others at an ACE Awards Presentation Banquet.
Outstanding seniors are recognized with $1,000 scholarships to pursue careers in the design professions and building trades. The Garden Club of the Desert present scholarships of $2000 each to outstanding graduating ACE seniors who pursue landscape architecture and horticulture.
Rita Wood and Dr. Linda Dyer
Participate in ACE!
If you’d like to experience ACE’s opportunities, challenges and rewards for yourself, just contact one of the ACE leaders listed in the upper right-hand corner of this page.
