Thank you to all of the volunteer mentors who braved the weather forecast last week for the kickoff of the 2017 ACE Mentor Program of Oregon. We had a packed house!

Though heavy snowfall pushed the Thursday sessions back a week, we’re delighted to share that this year’s incoming class is the largest ever. ACE has 114 volunteer mentors, which allowed program leaders to accept a record 160+ high school students to learn about careers in architecture, construction and engineering.

“We are excited to see the continued growth of the ACE program,” says ACE board chairman Jim Ray of JE Dunn Construction. “We are grateful to have such great mentors, board members and financial supporters of the ACE organization.”

More firms and organizations are getting involved, too. This year, 48 Portland-area firms are providing volunteer mentors. Many are also serving as sponsors, which provides critical financial support for the program and scholarship fund.

This year’s annual luncheon will be held on Thursday, April 20, at the Portland Art Museum. This event gives ACE supporters the chance to support the program, network with industry peers and celebrate students. Final presentations and scholarship awards will be on May 16 and May 18.

For now, please consider this comment from one of last year’s scholarship winners.

“My mentors were extremely knowledgeable and patient with me, which made learning and participating very enjoyable,” she told us. “ACE has taught me many things … but I personally believe the most important was learning how essential it is to collaborate and lead.”

The Portland Workforce Alliance and the ACE Mentor Program of Oregon are separate nonprofit organizations that share similar missions and staff. Learn more about ACE here

 

ACE Mentor Program: 2017 sessions begin with record participation