National Programs
CIRT National Design and Construction Competition
The 2027 CIRT National Design + Construction Competition Is Here!
A new year of ideas, innovation, and opportunity begins today with the launch of the 2027 CIRT National Design + Construction Competition, presented by the Construction Industry Round Table (CIRT) in partnership with the ACE Mentor Program of America.
Challenges
For 2027, teams can choose from three challenges reflecting important questions and opportunities facing the built environment. Each challenge asks teams to consider not only what they would design or build, but how and why their solution could work in the real world—including functionality, materials, constructability, cost and community impact.
- Rising Tide Regenerative Coastal Multi-Family Housing
- Forgotten Infrastructure Adaptive Reuse + Community Transformation
- Design + Construction Innovation Center Learning, Technology + Industry Collaboration
NEW FOR 2027 SIX FINALIST TEAMS will be invited to Washington DC, and up to THREE PRESENTERS PER TEAM will have the opportunity to present to industry professionals
The six teams will participate in a Preliminary Presentation Round, competing head-to-head against the other finalist in their challenge category. Jurors will select one team from each challenge to advance, resulting in three teams presenting in the Final Presentation Round before CIRT members and industry leaders.
The expanded format gives twice as many teams the opportunity to experience Washington, present and defend months of work before professionals, and make meaningful connections with leaders across architecture, engineering, construction and design—while preserving the excitement of a three-team national final.
National Scholarship and Trades Stipend Program
The ACE Mentor Program National Scholarship and Trades Stipend Program recognizes outstanding ACE students who demonstrate exceptional commitment, leadership, and a clear passion for pursuing careers in the design and construction industry. These awards provide financial support to help students continue their education through college or skilled trades training programs. Each affiliate can nominate one student for the National Scholarship and one student for the National Trades Stipend. Funded by generous contributions from private donors, both programs aim to further ACE’s mission of inspiring, mentoring, and supporting the next generation of architects, engineers, and construction professionals.
2026 National Scholarship Highlight Video!
Outstanding Mentors and
Exemplary School Champions
Our volunteers are the very lifeblood of the ACE Mentor Program. They serve as team leaders and board members, develop lesson plans and facilitate site visits, and of course, are the mentors and champions for the next generation of construction professional.
Every year our ACE volunteers demonstrate impressive ingenuity, passion for community and commitment to our program mission. We recognize them all for their dedication and contributions.
Summer Experience
Summer Experiences, which include college internships, high school externships, summer camps, and virtual learning opportunities, are an essential part of the ACE program to excite young people about opportunities in the construction space.
STUDENTS & MENTORS: To find out which ACE summer experiences are available in your affiliate, reach out to your team leader or affiliate leader.
ACE Summer Camp at CU Denver
ACE students from around the country gather in Denver for a week-long overnight summer camp on the University of Colorado Denver campus. Faculty from CU Denver’s architecture, engineering, and construction management programs will lead an investigation in design, digital fabrication, and sustainable design. Campers will experience the “Dorm Life” and discover what campus living is all about.
Campers will have the opportunity to participate in a design build project and will collaborate for final presentations. The week is packed with additional activities exploring all that Denver and the Rocky Mountains have to offer. Check out these photos from last year’s camp!
