Nashville
About Us
The ACE Mentor Program of Tennessee introduces high school students throughout Greater Nashville to the excitement, rewards and diverse careers available in the architectural, construction management and engineering professions.
We started our program in 2002 with 40 students from three schools. The students were organized into three teams and mentored by professionals from 15 firms. We now reach more than 100 students each year with 80 dedicated professionals mentoring six teams.
Due to the tremendous demand for the program, we are now actively recruiting and training more mentors, so we can reach more young people throughout our area.
Our Projects
Recently, each of our teams designed a 13,000-square-foot university student union building. The teams illustrated their concepts with AutoCAD drawings, 3-D models and PowerPoint presentations.
In the process, they learned how to apply many of the same tools professionals use each day. Students also visited the offices of several of ACE’s sponsoring firms to see first-hand what it’s like to work in key segments of the building industry.
In addition, the teams toured construction sites for major buildings, such as the Schermerhorn Symphony Center and Nissan North America’s corporate headquarters.
Each year, our program culminates with a banquet at which students present their projects to approximately 400 mentors, parents, educators and community leaders. Keynote speakers have included the governor of Tennessee, the mayor of Nashville and major professional sports figures. To date, we have also awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships to students interested in pursuing a career in the building industry.
Participate in ACE!
If you’d like to experience ACE’s challenges, opportunities and rewards for yourself, just contact the ACE leader listed in the upper right-hand corner of this page.
