ACE Mentor Program Awards $49,500 in Scholarships, Graduates 79 in Class of 2007

On May 1, 2007, 12 Washington-area high school seniors received a total of $49,500 in college scholarships from the ACE Mentor Program of the Greater Washington Metropolitan Area. They had completed the after-school mentoring program and are pursuing careers in architecture, construction management, engineering, or related programs. The awards were made at the annual Scholarship Breakfast held at the National Association of Home Builders national headquarters and attended by more than 250 parents, teachers, students, and industry leaders. Since 2000, the ACE Washington affiliate has awarded more than $177,000 in scholarships.

A total of 79 high school students in the District of Columbia; the City of Alexandria, Fairfax County, Virginia; and Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties, Maryland, graduated from the program after presenting their capstone design projects at the Seventh Annual Project Presentation night on May 23 at the American Institute of Architects national headquarters.

The program relies on more than 75 industry professionals from the entire construction community to volunteer their time and provide the expertise to help high school students explore career opportunities. Teams of students and mentors in participating schools meet twice a month after school. Included in the program are field trips to offices and construction sites such as the Wilson Bridge Project and the National Capital Visitor Center to give students a real-life look at the challenges and rewards of design and construction careers.