ACE has given me a head start in learning the expectations and responsibilities of an architect. I now know what is expected as I go on to college and what I need to do to prepare myself.
Schalmont High School (New York)
Portland
ACE is a FREE after-school program for high school juniors and seniors interested in Architecture, Construction and Engineering (ACE). Student teams collaborate on a building design project under the guidance of industry professionals. ACE also offers college scholarships for seniors and summer camp opportunities for juniors. All ACE meetings will be held virtually this fall and into the 2021 program year as needed, in alignment with current public health guidelines for limiting coronavirus transmission.
ACE STUDENTS gain valuable career skills, network with professionals, and explore ACE careers.
ACE MENTORS give back to their community, inspire the next generation, and attract new talent to the industry.
Click here to download a printable 20-2021 ACE program brochure.
Our Program
Check out the local ACE Mentor Program of Oregon website for information about the 2021 virtual program, student/parent information sessions, mentor information sessions, program dates and more!
Portland’s ACE program runs from January to May every year. Student applications and mentor recruitment start in Fall (August/September) and are usually due in late November (right before Thanksgiving). Acceptance notifications will be emailed in December.
Students are placed on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday team with 10-15 students from different high schools and 7-10 mentors from a mix of architecture, construction, and engineering firms. All ACE meetings will be held virtually this fall and into the 2021 program year as needed, in alignment with current public health guidelines for limiting coronavirus transmission. Prior experience and outside homework are not required.
In typical years, meetings are held in downtown Portland at ACE mentors’ offices and job sites. Students have the opportunity to visit multiple professional workplaces, learn how to network, and explore career paths within the ACE industry. Teams design a building together, and students present their projects to a large audience at the program finale in May. Light meals are provided at in-person meetings and transportation assistance is available to students with economic need.
Students
The ACE Mentor Program is open to high school juniors and seniors. Outstanding sophomores are occasionally accepted if there is space in the program. Participating students must have at least a 2.0 grade point average, teacher/counselor endorsement, and two full years of math.
Mentors
Are you an architecture, construction, or engineering professional?
Do you want to inspire youth to enter your industry?
Do you want to network and give back to your community?
Mentor volunteers are the lifeblood of our program. Each team of mentors is led by an experienced Mentor Captain. Mentors provide around 26 hours of volunteer time (13 two-hour meetings) and are not required to attend every session. Mentors with offices in or near downtown Portland often provide meeting space for an ACE session.
ACE Scholarships
Each year, the ACE Mentor Program awards scholarships to seniors who are committed to pursuing construction-related careers in college.
Contact ACE Portland
For students, mentors, educators, applications, and all other questions:
Mailing Address:
PO Box 15007
Portland, OR 97293
ACE Staff
Emma Shirey
Kari Smith Haight
Program Manager
(503) 415-0579
Susan Nielsen
Executive Director
(503) 577-6177
Ave Rio
Communications and Program Coordinator
Student Materials
Mentor Materials
Board of Directors
Our board is comprised of local industry leaders who make a significant contribution to our chapter. We are grateful for their continuing support.
View our board members.
Participate in ACE!
If you’d like to experience ACE’s challenges, opportunities and rewards for yourself, contact us today!