Chicago, IL
ACE Chicago Mentor Program takes a “hands-on” approach to helping students learn about careers in architecture, construction, engineering and related professions.
During the 2019-2020 school year, 300 students from more than 70 citywide high schools (primarily Chicago Public Schools) participated on seven teams with 298 mentors from professional A/E/C firms.
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 graphic design, art, math and engineering. At the same time, these activities give them a strong foundation on which to base future careers.
We also offer a program that provides paid summer internships at ACE’s participating firms. This program, which includes an orientation and ongoing oversight during the summer, gives students a chance to earn a salary, as well as gain valuable work experience and contacts. In addition, we offer a hands-on Design Build Workshop, which is a 7 week apprenticeship-style program where students work together to design and create a place for a community partner.
Last year, we were able to offer 45 paid summer internships, 20 apprenticeships in the Design Build Workshop and over $200,000 in college scholarships!
Working with mentors on these kinds of activities helps students learn the basics of the building industry by applying abstract concepts to concrete situations.
Krisann Rehbein
Executive Director
773-301-9645
Thanks to our many mentors who have helped us this past year in making our affiliate such a success.
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.
If you’d like to experience ACE’s challenges, opportunities and rewards for yourself, contact us today!
In my two years with ACE, the program showed me the great possibilities that exist beyond the classroom in the real world. It introduced me to the different career paths that engineering has to offer. I also learned to work in a group, negotiate with clients and present a proposal. ACE showed me the path to success in my future as an engineer and a leader.
