One of two affiliates chosen from more than 90 regional ACE programs as “Affiliate of the Year,” the ACE Chicago mentoring program takes a “hands-on” approach to helping students learn about careers in architecture, construction, engineering and related professions.
During the 2009-2010 school year, 205 students from 40 citywide high schools (primarily from Chicago Public Schools) assigned to seven teams with 165 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.
To date we have awarded 259 four-year renewable scholarships valued at $600,000, and 55 summer internships.
A+DEN is a program of the Chicago Architecture Foundation, the American
Architectural Foundation, and the American Institute of Architects
