ACE gave me the opportunity to learn about the collaboration between architects and engineers in preparation for a construction project. After my experience I was even more interested in structures and how fascinating they can be. As I prepare to graduate with a degree in civil engineering I have the ACE program to thank for my initial interest sparking experience!
Ozarks
About Us
ACE Mentor Program of the Ozarks introduces high school students to the career opportunities offered by Architectural, Construction, and Engineering professions. Our program integrates hands-on activities, tours, field trips, and small group learning opportunities from area industry partners. Our students are exposed to a wide variety of skills and specialties found in the building industry. Since 2017, our program has grown and developed as the needs of our students have required.
Our current program structure is a mixture of large group experiences that are offered during school hours and small group experiences after school hours. The large group experiences range from construction site tours to industry panel discussions. The small group experiences are limited in capacity to allow for one-on-one learning opportunities for students and mentor connections. The experiences culminate in an end of year project competition where students design, document, and present a solution to a panel of industry professionals.
ACE Mentor Program of the Ozarks also provides scholarship opportunities for students.
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Our Projects
The end of year project competition provides students with the opportunity to showcase what they’ve learned over the course of the program year. Students are organized into small groups that then develop a design solution to the given design problem. Students are responsible for presenting drawings, a model, cost estimate information, basic systems, and more. During this event, students and mentors get to interact in a more hands-on setting to hone their talents. At the end of the competition, students present their design to a panel of industry professionals that score their project. The winning team earns a cash reward among other prizes. Some of our past projects include:
- Coffee Shop at Lake Springfield
- Workshop
- Guesthouse
- Field House
- Rural Cabin
- Mobile Live/Work Studio
- Drive-Thru Coffee or Frozen Custard Shop
Program Year
Contacts
Kirsten Whitehead
Affiliate President
Jennifer Luce
Vice-President
David Baxter
Vice-President
Students and Mentors
Sponsors
Donations
Board of Directors
Our board is comprised of local industry leaders who make a significant contribution to our affiliate. We are grateful for their continuing support.
View our board members.
Community Partner
We are grateful for the continuing support and partnership of companies and organizations in the greater Ozarks area. Please email Stacie Ramos for information on how to become a Community Partner.
Partnership Flyer
Participate in ACE!
If you’d like to experience ACE’s challenges, opportunities and rewards for yourself, contact us today!