About Us

The ACE Mentor Program of Nashville, Tennessee introduces high school students to exciting careers in the architectural, construction management, and engineering professions. We support students’ career goals in these fields through merit-based scholarships and currently serve students in Davidson, Williamson, and Rutherford counties.

History

The program was started in 2002 with 40 students from three schools. The students were organized into three teams and mentored by professionals from 15 firms. We’ve grown to now reach more than 150 students each year with 125 dedicated professionals mentoring ten teams. Over $1,000,000 in scholarship funds have been awarded to Middle Tennessee students and ACE Alumni since the affiliate was founded.

Due to the tremendous demand for the program, we are always actively recruiting and training new mentors so we can continue to engage more young people in our region.

Nashville Public Television Spotlights Work of Nashville
Affiliate, December 9

Program Overview

Teams of 12-18 students are paired with diverse groups of industry mentors to explore the fields of architecture, construction and engineering. Students tour marquee Nashville jobsites and offices to learn what a “day in the life” looks like for each profession and participate in industry activities. They get to participate in collaborative hands-on challenges such as bricklaying, in-wall rough-in, and testing concrete cylinders. Students access resources from mentors throughout the year—not only to discern their vocational direction—but also to understand the educational requirements, credentialing, and licensing pathways to get there. The year culminates in a memorable celebration banquet highlighting the students’ work. The teams work throughout the year to each develop mock projects around a central theme such as “rhythm” or “gathering” that they present before hundreds of their peers, families, educators, and mentors.

Once students graduate from high school, we offer various resources and mentorship opportunities to continue supporting the alumni in their post-secondary pursuits. Our goal is to help ACE Alumni achieve their long-term goals and realize their ultimate aspirations to enter into the professional workplace. More than 10% of our current board and lead mentors are former ACE students who are now professionals and have returned to pay it forward by mentoring current students eager to join the A-E-C industry.