About Us

High school students in the Southern Maine can now benefit from a nationwide program designed to introduce them to the wide range of career opportunities open to young people in architecture, construction, engineering, and related areas of the building design and construction industry.

The teams often learn how to use advanced computerized tools while special exercises and activities illustrate the industry’s demand for young people skilled in math, physics, economist, art and other disciplines.

At weekly meetings, student teams work directly with professionals from leading area firms, who volunteer their time to mentor the teams as they design hypothetical projects, tour local construction sites, and visit architectural, engineering and construction offices.

For students, it’s a unique chance to discover and develop new skills, solidify future goals and get on track to exciting, rewarding careers. In addition, many students form positive relationships with industry professionals who can provide important references for obtaining college admissions, scholarships, internships and full-time employment.

Our Team Projects

Students in the ACE program typically work closely with their mentors on projects that provide hands-on experience in solving the types of design, engineering and construction challenges industry professionals confront every day.

The teams often learn how to use computerized tools, such as Sketch up, while special exercises and activities illustrate the industry’s demand for young people skilled in math, physics, economics, art and other disciplines.

The Portland ACE Affiliate will culminate their program year with special events at which teams present their concepts to mentors, families, teachers and community leaders.