National Programs
CIRT National Design and Construction Competition
20th Anniversary National Design + Construction Competition
The Competition presents three real-world project challenges to judge the ability of the students to make reasoned, coherent, clear presentations on their team’s design and construction approaches that are realistic and responsive to the project’s objectives within time, budget, constructability constraints, etc. The competition challenges students to develop innovative solutions, blending architecture, engineering, and construction management into one exciting project. Over the coming months, teams will refine their concepts and prepare to present to industry leaders and compete for top honors.
Stay tuned as we follow their journey to the finals!
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.
Watch the 2025 winners be awarded their scholarships!
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!
