ACE Mentor Program
ACE Mentor Program: Empowering the Next Generation of Builders
We work with ACE Mentor Program to inspire future builders by funding scholarships, hosting job site tours, and connecting high school students in Boise and Portland with hands-on learning opportunities.
The Mission
The ACE Mentor Program is a nationwide nonprofit committed to engaging, exciting, and enlightening high school students to pursue careers in the building industry through mentoring and continued support.
Our Partnership
Our partnership with the ACE Mentor Program supports their goal of inspiring high school students to explore careers in architecture, construction, and engineering—fields we’re deeply invested in, both professionally and personally.
The program aims to build a diverse, well-prepared workforce by prioritizing engagement with students and communities traditionally underrepresented in these fields, offering scholarships, internships, and practical learning experiences.
We engage with ACE through a mix of financial support and hands-on involvement, including:
Scholarship sponsorships: We contribute annually to ACE’s scholarship fund, helping students to pursue post-secondary education in AEC-related fields.
Summer camp sponsorships: We contribute annually to ACE to help fund sending students to the national ACE summer camp.
Mentor participation: Several of our team members serve as mentors in the program, guiding students through real-world projects and sharing insights about construction careers.
Job site tours & office visits: We host ACE students at active construction sites and in our offices to provide behind-the-scenes exposure to the industry.
ACE final presentations: Andersen staff regularly attend and support the program’s end-of-year student project presentations.
Tool donations & supplies: We’ve contributed materials and gear to help ACE teams build project models and support their hands-on learning activities.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to deepen this partnership by expanding our mentor participation to include even more team members from various departments (including field, project management, and VDC). We also hope to develop summer internships for ACE students interested in gaining work experience before college, as well as facilitate more joint community outreach events, such as construction career fairs and industry open houses.
Our partnership with ACE to directly supports workforce development, equity in education, and our broader mission of building stronger communities. We’re proud to play a role in shaping the future of our industry by investing in young, curious, and capable minds.
Visit the ACE Mentor Program to learn more and find ways to get involved and support their important work.
“The ACE Mentor Program is making a powerful impact here in Idaho by opening doors for students who may have never considered a career in construction, architecture, or engineering. It’s inspiring to see young people gain confidence, direction, and real-world experience through our program. Construction has been so good to me, it feels good to give something back to the next generation.”
— Jeff Slinger, Project Executive, Andersen Construction, and ACE Idaho Board Chair