Event Calendar

The ACE Mentor Program celebrates its Orange County chapter with an event at the Irvine Marriott, Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at 5 p.m.

As ACE grows its Southern California presence, it spreads past the Los Angeles metropolitan area where it is already a well received non-profit. ACE pairs architects, interior designers, landscape architects, mechanical, structural, electrical, environmental and civil engineers, and construction managers, with high school students to give them a taste of the profession.

“It's all about mentoring, and the one-on-one engagement between the professional and student,” says Jon Mills, Principal of LPA Inc. “As our industry struggles through the current economic downturn, there is an inevitable attrition of talented individuals from the profession. When we cycle back to a more robust economy, there will be staff voids to be filled at all levels. We need to position and prepare our students to take advantage of the tremendous opportunities that lie ahead.”

ACE involves professionals who volunteer their time to work with students throughout the year in hands on project experience. Participating students, who graduate from high school, receive scholarships from ACE to help fund their advanced education. Proceeds from next week’s ACE Orange County event are put toward these scholarships for local students.

As the state of California continues to struggle, ACE presents districts with a no-cost solution to some of the fiscal challenges which face educational systems today. “As it should be, the students are the ultimate beneficiaries,” finishes Mills. “We need both volunteer mentors and generous financial contributions to continue the success of current programs, and foster expansion to additional Southern California schools.”

For more information, visit the ACE Orange County announcement.