At Abraham Lincoln High School, the ACE Mentor Omaha program is integrated within the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Manufacturing Career Cluster. This program focuses on various aspects of the built environment, including design, planning, management, construction, and maintenance. It is incorporated into the Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Engineering curriculum for students in their junior and senior years. The courses are led by an experienced instructor, Ryan Higgins, who provides valuable guidance and support to the students as they explore these career pathways.

At Benson High School, you will find the ACE Mentor Program embedded in their Design and Construction Pathway.  Students explore the fundamentals of architecture through hands-on projects and creative exercises. They learn about design principles, spatial thinking, and the basics of building structures. The class involves sketching, model-making, and using design software to conceptualize and visualize buildings. Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, while also understanding the importance of functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability in architecture. It’s a blend of art, science, and technical knowledge aimed at sparking an interest in the built environment. The instructor for the Architecture/Design program is led by one of the National Outstanding ACE Educators, Rhonda Sherman.

At Bryan High School, the ACE Mentor Program provides project-based experience for coursework in the architecture and design classes of the Design and Construction Academy.  This course is designed to provide students with the foundational skills and knowledge necessary to pursue careers in architecture or related fields. Students will be prepared for direct entry into the workforce or for further education at a two-year or four-year college.

Through a combination of hands-on experience and critical thinking, students will engage in a sequence of lessons that offer rigorous content, focusing on architectural design principles, technical drawing, and real-world application. The curriculum emphasizes the development of both creative and analytical skills, which are essential for success in the architecture field.

By the end of the course, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the architectural design process, including conceptualization, drafting, modeling, and project management. Additionally, students will acquire relevant technical knowledge and problem-solving techniques that will prepare them for success at the post-secondary level and in future architectural careers.  This course is instructed by the experienced teacher Ryan Hoy.

At Burke High, the ACE Mentor Program provides the business collaboration needed in its CAD program.  The Burke Academies are committed to creating successful pathways for every student’s future, whether they’re aiming for a four-year college, trade school, apprenticeship, or direct entry into the workforce. In the Computer-Assisted Design (CAD) class, students will gain hands-on experience with industry-standard software, learning essential design and drafting skills. By collaborating on real-life projects with local businesses, students will develop a strong resume showcasing leadership, teamwork, time management, and responsibility. Work-based internships and practical problem-solving experiences will ensure that students are well-prepared to succeed in their future careers or higher education endeavors.

At Central High, our ACE Mentor Program will provide real-world experience in the architecture and design program while working with AEC professionals.  The Architecture Design program, part of the STEM Academy, is designed to open doors for all students, whether they are aiming for a four-year collegiate experience, trade school, apprenticeship, or direct entry into the workforce. Students will collaborate with local businesses on real-life architectural projects, developing valuable skills such as leadership, teamwork, time management, and responsibility—while having fun along the way! Through work-based learning, real-world experiences, and practical problem-solving, every student will be prepared for a successful future in architecture and beyond.  This course is taught by Trent Lodge, an experienced teacher in the architecture design department.

At North High School, the ACE Mentor Omaha program is found in their Engineering & Design Academy. As part of the PLTW Pathway, this program provides a platform for students to experience the role of an engineer, fostering the development of a problem-solving mindset. Through engaging and relevant real-world challenges, the program equips students with essential collaboration and critical thinking skills. Participants acquire valuable knowledge and competencies from the courses that will benefit them not only during high school but also throughout their future careers. These courses are facilitated by experienced instructors Brett Sailors, Elizabeth Prusha, Jessica Koch, and Jenna Hotze.

At Papillion LaVista, the ACE Mentor Program plays a crucial role within the STEM Academy, particularly in the PLTW Engineering Program. This initiative is designed to enrich the traditional curriculum by offering courses that intertwine practical engineering principles with mathematics and science, effectively preparing students for both higher education and careers in various engineering-related fields.

Students at Papillion LaVista gain access to industry-standard design software, which is widely used by leading companies such as Intel, Lockheed Martin, and Pixar. This exposure prepares students to meet the demands of the modern engineering workforce and equips them with the tools needed for success in their future endeavors. The program ultimately aims to inspire and cultivate the next generation of engineers and innovators. At PLV, Eryn Suprenant is the outstanding champion/instructor in this program.

At Papillion LaVista South, the ACE Mentor Program plays an integral role within the STEM Academy, particularly in the PLTW Engineering Program. This initiative is designed to enrich the traditional curriculum by offering courses that intertwine practical engineering principles with mathematics and science, effectively preparing students for both higher education and careers in various engineering-related fields.

Students at Papillion LaVista South gain access to industry-standard design software, which is widely used by leading companies such as Intel, Lockheed Martin, and Pixar. This exposure prepares students to meet the demands of the modern engineering workforce and equips them with the tools needed for success in their future endeavors. The program ultimately aims to inspire and cultivate the next generation of engineers and innovators. At PLVS, Jamie Glover is the outstanding instructor and class favorite in this program.

At South High, the ACE Mentor Program offers an engaging elective in the Data and Technology Pathway through Computer-Aided Design (CAD). This program equips students with essential skills for decision-making and managing complex systems, which are vital for shaping the future. The program emphasizes partnerships with local businesses, providing real-world experiences, mentorship from industry professionals, and opportunities for internships. Overall, this pathway prepares students for future careers in technology and engineering by fostering critical thinking, creativity, and technical skills.  At South High, you will find Kory Mikos as the instructor in the CAD program.

At Westside, the ACE Mentor program takes our exceptional engineering and design curriculum to new heights. Our Career and Technical Education (CTE) initiative equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a diverse array of lucrative, high-demand careers. Through CTE, all students are empowered to explore their interests and talents in various career fields while honing essential skills for the modern workplace. This comprehensive program blends core academic subjects with specialized technical classes, effectively preparing students for their future endeavors, whether they choose to pursue higher education or enter the workforce directly.  These classes are being taught by an exceptional design teacher, Tyler Foster.

The ACE Mentor Program at Westview is a key component of the Civil Engineering Pathway within the Sustainability Academy. Through this program, students learn essential skills commonly used by civil engineers, including creating calculations, analyzing data, and reporting results with spreadsheets. They also gain experience with computer-aided design (CAD) software for engineering projects and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for mapping transportation and water resource systems. Lucas Hearn teaches the introductory civil class, while Robert Hjelle, recognized as an Outstanding School Champion by ACE National, teaches the courses for juniors and seniors.