Cannon Design Blog

The ACE (Architecture, Construction and Engineering) Mentor Program is the construction industry’s fastest growing mentoring program. A unique partnership among industry professionals, ACE works to increase the awareness of high school students to career opportunities through structured mentoring relationships and the awarding of college scholarships.

As an example of scale – this year, the Chicago Affiliate had over 200 students (92% minority and 30% female) and 175 mentors participating in the program. Since its founding in Chicago, the Chicago Affiliate  has touched the lives of nearly 1,000 high school juniors and seniors from 34 Chicago public high schools and awarded 230 scholarships worth $526,000 plus 43 internships. The Chicago Affiliate was also highlighted in this month’s AIA publication, Chicago Architect.

In the San Francisco office, Jill Bergman has been active with the local affiliate. She has encouraged anyone involved with ACE to watch Dave Eggers at TED speak about 826 Valencia, a tutoring program he help found in San Francisco.

Using a variety of engaged learning approaches, the program involves students in activities that help them build skills they can carry over to school subjects, such as math, engineering, drafting, graphic design, and art. At the same time, these activities give them a strong foundation on which to base future careers.

If you are interested in learning more about the ACE Mentoring Program, please contact Jessica Figenholtz or follow ACE on Facebook. We would like to help expand the ACE program to every Cannon Design office! Have you been involved in ACE? Comment below to share your story or post questions!

Ashley Marsh - 20 Jul 2010

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