Seattle high school students are connecting with industry professionals and gaining hands-on experience in architecture, construction and engineering through the ACE Mentor Program

What does it take to bring a building from an idea to reality? Seattle high school students are about to find out. 

Seattle Public Schools’ Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department recently hosted the annual kickoff event for the ACE Mentor Program at Cleveland High School, launching another year of career-connected learning opportunities for students interested in architecture, construction, and engineering. 

The ACE Mentor Program is a nationally recognized initiative that helps students explore careers in the built environment through hands-on projects, mentorship, and real-world learning experiences. During the kickoff event, students from across the district met their mentors, learned about this year’s design challenge competition, and received an overview of the program’s yearlong experience. 

Across the Seattle region, nine ACE teams will engage more than 400 students. Throughout the year, participants will meet weekly at industry workplaces, take part in site visits, and collaborate with professional mentors as they design and develop a building project from concept to completion. 

Along the way, students will gain exposure to the many professions involved in bringing projects to life, including architecture, engineering, construction management and skilled trades. As they work together to solve complex design challenges, students will also build critical skills in collaboration, communication, problem-solving, and project management. 

For many participants, the program offers more than career exploration. It provides an opportunity to build relationships with industry professionals who can offer guidance, encouragement, and insight into future educational and career pathways. 

Several mentors shared that they were once ACE students themselves, underscoring the lasting impact of the program and the strong connections it creates between generations of learners and professionals. Their stories highlighted how early exposure to careers and mentorship can help students discover new passions and envision their future possibilities. 

The experience will culminate in May, when student teams present their final design solutions and showcase the knowledge, creativity, and technical skills they have developed throughout the year. 

Through the ACE Mentor Program, Seattle students are gaining valuable real-world experience, expanding their professional networks, and taking important steps toward future careers in architecture, construction, and engineering. 

By connecting classroom learning with industry expertise, the ACE Mentor Program is helping students design, build, and imagine the future.