ACE Upstate NY
Events
Student Registration Is Now Open
Registration is now open for the 2026–2027 ACE Mentor Program season!
ACE welcomes returning students and new participants who are interested in exploring careers in architecture, construction, engineering, design, and the skilled trades. Throughout the program, students work alongside industry mentors, collaborate with peers, complete hands-on projects, and discover education and career pathways across the building industry.
This season will also include new program enhancements designed to create an even stronger student experience, with more hands-on learning, career exposure, and opportunities to connect with professionals throughout the Capital Region.
Before registering, students and families can learn more about the program here:
Student Information:
acementorupstateny.org/students
About Our Affiliate:
acementorupstateny.org/about
Students are encouraged to register early so they receive updates about information sessions, program announcements, and the official season kickoff.
Registration
New students: Complete the online student registration form.
Returning students: Select “Log In” at the bottom of the registration page to re-register for the new program year.
Student Registration:
https://app.acementor.org/registration/student
Registration Help
Need help completing registration or the parent consent form? Use the tutorials below:
Full Registration Tutorial:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKRmr4uM8IA
Parent Consent Form Tutorial:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlMNcJq6kXo
Students are also encouraged to share ACE with friends, classmates, and other high-school-age students who may be interested in joining.
We look forward to welcoming students back for another exciting ACE season!
ACE Mentor Meet & Greet and Program Orientation
Current mentor team leads, returning mentors, and professionals interested in becoming an ACE mentor are invited to join us for an in-person meet and greet, program introduction, and light training session ahead of the upcoming ACE season.
Led by ACE leadership and mentor team leads, this session will provide an opportunity to meet fellow volunteers, learn how the Capital Region program operates, and understand what to expect throughout the season.
We will review:
The annual program schedule and session format
The selected student project for the year
Mentor roles, expectations, and time commitments
Mentor guidelines and student engagement practices
Team structure, communication, and program support
Important next steps before the October kickoff
This event is designed to help both new and returning mentors feel informed, connected, and prepared to support students throughout the program year.
Interested in mentoring but not yet registered?
Prospective mentors are welcome to attend, learn more about the program, and meet the ACE team before making a commitment. There is no obligation to become a mentor just because you attend.
RSVP here so we know you’re coming:
ACE Student & Family Welcome and Q&A
Students and families interested in the ACE Mentor Program of Upstate NY are invited to join us for a virtual welcome and information session ahead of the 2026–2027 program season.
This optional session is a chance to meet members of the ACE leadership team, learn how the program works, and ask questions before sessions begin in October. We’ll share more about:
The ACE student experience and annual project
Weekly meetings and program expectations
Architecture, engineering, construction, design, and skilled-trades career exploration
Hands-on activities, tours, and mentor connections
Scholarships, awards, and ACE National opportunities
Student registration and parent consent requirements
What new and returning students can expect this season
ACE is FREE and open to high-school-age students from public, private, charter, technical, alternative, and homeschool programs throughout the Capital Region. Students do not need previous industry experience to participate.
Everything needed to get started is available on our website, but this live session offers an additional opportunity for students and families to connect directly with our team.
Join the Google Meet
Video call:
https://meet.google.com/qnq-zbjh-ird
Join by phone:
(US) +1 980-858-5507
PIN: 507 671 054#
Additional phone numbers:
https://tel.meet/qnq-zbjh-ird?pin=7017878953674
We look forward to welcoming new and returning students and answering your questions about the upcoming ACE season.
2026–2027 ACE Program Kickoff
The 2026–2027 ACE Mentor Program season officially begins here.
All registered students, mentors, and mentor team leads are invited to join us at The Connect Center for Youth as we welcome participants, introduce this year’s program, and begin the presentations, conversations, and project work that will shape the season ahead.
During the kickoff, attendees will:
Meet the ACE leadership team, mentors, and fellow students
Learn how the program and weekly sessions will run
Review expectations, roles, and important season details
Be introduced to this year’s project and program focus
Begin exploring the disciplines, ideas, and challenges that will guide the student experience
This event marks the start of a season centered on collaboration, career exploration, hands-on learning, and connection with professionals throughout the Capital Region’s building industry.
Attendance is strongly encouraged for all students, mentors, and mentor leads as we establish teams, share important information, and begin the year together.
We look forward to welcoming everyone to our new program home at The Connect Center for Youth.
ACE Leadership Planning Meeting
ACE mentor leaders, planning committee members, and key program volunteers are invited to a virtual follow-up meeting as we continue advancing plans for the upcoming ACE season.
Building on the priorities established during our leadership kickoff, this working session will focus on moving program planning forward, refining responsibilities, reviewing next steps, and coordinating the people and resources needed for a successful launch.
**This event is intended for current ACE mentor leadership, planning committee members, and invited volunteers who are actively supporting program development and implementation.
The meeting will be held virtually via Google Meet. The private meeting link will be shared directly with confirmed invitees.
Connect Center for Youth Facility Tour
ACE Mentor Program of the Capital Region board members, mentor leads, and committee volunteers are invited to tour The Connect Center for Youth as we continue exploring a potential shared-space partnership between the two organizations.
Following a successful initial visit, this second tour will provide ACE leadership with an opportunity to experience the facility firsthand, learn more about The Connect Center’s work, and better understand how the space may support future ACE programming, student engagement, mentor collaboration, and shared community initiatives.
The visit will also offer time to discuss the potential partnership and ask questions ahead of the 2026–2027 ACE season kickoff in October.
We will be joined by Ben Williams, Executive Director, and Alicia Phillips, Program Director, who will guide the tour and share more about the organization and facility.
**This event is intended for current ACE board members, mentor leads, committee members, and invited program volunteers.
ACE Upstate Leadership Planning Meeting
Planning is officially underway for the 2026–27 ACE season!
This working session will bring together mentor team leaders, board members, and key program volunteers to begin shaping the year ahead. The group will review the previous season, discuss program updates, begin project and session planning, and identify leadership roles and volunteer responsibilities for the upcoming year.
The meeting will also include conversation around ACE’s continued growth, expanded community partnerships, and opportunities for volunteers interested in taking on a greater leadership role within the affiliate.
Dinner will be provided.
This event is intended for current ACE leadership, mentor team leaders, board members, and invited program volunteers.
Interested in Getting Involved?
ACE is always looking for professionals and community members who are ready to share their experience, support students, and help strengthen the future of the building industry. Whether you’re interested in mentoring, volunteering at events, serving on a committee, or exploring a leadership role, we’d love to connect.