ACE Mentor Program of America—one of the largest high school mentoring programs in the U.S. for the architecture, engineering, and construction industries—is celebrating three decades of service. Founded by Dr. Charles Thornton II, the program has now grown to impact thousands of students in the AEC industry.
Through the program, there are 700 students in externship job placements across the U.S., valued at $1.2 million. The program's volunteer mentors are also set to contribute a combined total of more than 200,000 hours of professional services valued at more than $27.4 million this summer.
“Since 2020, the Summer Workplace Experience program has demonstrated notable growth, and the impact of these paid externships cannot be overstated. They are a vital component in bridging the gap between academic learning and practical experience, providing students not only with valuable career skills but also with necessary financial support. This is particularly crucial in fostering an equitable workforce, ensuring that all students, regardless of their financial background, have access to career-launching opportunities," says Diana Eidenshink, President of the ACE Mentor Program of America.
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