Teams of students and mentoring firms are assembled and meet throughout the school year at the firm offices. The students plan and design innovative projects mirroring "real-world" conditions while mentors help them develop solutions using basic problem-solving techniques and state-of-the-art design tools. The teams also tour construction sites and notable buildings to see firsthand what is required to design and erect these kinds of structures.
In addition to acquiring new knowledge and skills, students are eligible for ACE scholarships and gain contacts that can help with college admissions, internships and full-time employment. ACE enhances the mentoring firm profile and the individual mentor's presentation and communication skills as well as preparing the future workforce.
A+DEN is a program of the Chicago Architecture Foundation, the American
Architectural Foundation, and the American Institute of Architects
