ABOUT OUR AFFILIATE
Local leadership. Regional opportunity. National impact.
The ACE Mentor Program of Upstate NY connects high school students with professionals in architecture, engineering, construction, design, and the trades-opening doors to real careers and real futures in the built environment.
STUDENTS EACH YEAR
Enrolled locally each year
MENTORS EACH YEAR
From top local firms and organizations
RETURNING STUDENTS
Freshmen to senior year
SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS*
For each graduating senior
*Includes ACE National award opportunities
STUDENTS ENTER WORKFORCE
Locally & nationally within the building industry
OUR MISSION
To inspire and prepare high school students for careers in the built environment by connecting them with mentors and real-world experiences that build confidence, skills, and opportunity.
How It Works
REGISTER
High school students from across the Capital Region register each September. The program is free — no cost to students or families.
WEEKLY SESSIONS
October through April, teams meet weekly (6:00pm–8:00 PM) with industry mentors to work on that year's design challenge. Yes - there’s FREE pizza too!
FIELD TRIPS & SITE VISITS
Students tour active job sites, office tours, and participate in shop days — building real connections and context.
STUDENT SHOWCASE & BANQUET
April culmination: teams present their work to judges, board members, and community leaders — and compete for scholarships.
OUR PROGRAM COMMUNITY
Together, students and mentors collaborate on hands-on projects, explore career paths, and build lasting relationships.
From team projects and professional presentations to scholarships and celebrations, our community creates meaningful experiences that shape futures.
COLLABORATION WITH THE CONNECT CENTER
We are expanding opportunities across the Capital Region through deeper collaboration with the Connect Center in Cohoes.
This partnership will strengthen access to programming, resources, and shared space to support even more young people on their path to success.
WHAT WE'RE BUILDING
GREATER STUDENT ACCESS
Reaching more schools and students across the Capital Region.
STRONG MENTOR BASE
Expanding and engaging industry professionals who invest in students.
HANDS-ON PROGRAMMING
Delivering real-world projects that spark curiosity and build critical skills.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Recognizing achievement and supporting the next generation.
LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY
Building partnerships and resources for enduring impact.