For Students
Explore design, engineering, construction, and the trades through hands-on experience.
ACE is free and open to public, private, homeschool, and all high-school-age students interested in the built environment.
Why Students Join ACE
HANDS-ON PROJECTS
Build real models, solve real-world problems, and see your ideas come to life.
REAL MENTORS
Learn from professionals who guide, inspire, and help you grow.
CAREER EXPLORATION
Discover the many paths in architecture, engineering, construction, and the trades.
TEAM COLLABORATION
Work with peers, share ideas, and build strong teamwork skills.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Access funding for college, technical education, apprenticeships, and trades programs.
FREE PROGRAM
ACE is completely free—and yes, there is usually delicious pizza.
What you’ll do
DESIGN AND BUILD
Tackle exciting challenges and bring creative ideas to life through model building and problem solving.
VISIT SHOPS AND WORKPLACES
Go behind the scenes to see how projects are built and how teams work in the real world.
EXPLORE CAREER PATHWAYS
Learn about college, training, apprenticeships, and careers that let you design, build, and shape the future.
PRESENT YOUR IDEAS
Share your projects, practice your presentation skills, and celebrate what you've accomplished.
ACE NATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Through ACE National, local students gain access to opportunities that extend beyond our affiliate—including design competitions, scholarships, summer programs, recognition, and college and career resources designed to support their next steps.
No experience required-just curiosity.
If you're curious about the built environment, ACE is the place to start.
Who Can Join?
ACE welcomes students from public, private, charter, career and technical, and homeschool settings across the Capital Region.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
HOMESCHOOL STUDENTS
CAREER & TECH PROGRAMS
LEARN ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Discover how ACE works and what to expect.