Master Builders of Iowa

ACE Mentor Program of Iowa
Mentoring the Workforce of the Future

The ACE Mentor Program is the fastest-growing high school mentoring program focusing on careers in the design/build industry. It was founded in 1995 by the principals of leading design and construction firms, to introduce high school students to career opportunities in the industry. The mission of the organization is to engage, excite and enlighten high school students to pursue careers in the design/build construction industry through mentoring; and to support their continued advancement in the industry through scholarships and grants. ACE has 72 affiliates operating in 36 states. For additional information please visit www.acementor.org.

Last year, the ACE Mentor Program of America involved 7,800 high school students, most from low-income families, in 180 cities and communities. Nearly 2,000 mentors, many from leading design and construction firms, donated their time to teach students about their industry and to stimulate them to pursue industry careers.According to a recent survey of ACE program alumni, two-thirds of ACE participants major in architecture, engineering, and construction in college. In 2009 Nationwide ACE awarded $1.25 million in scholarships.

“The construction industry is the second-largest employer in the U.S. With 50 percent of all buildings that will exist by the year 2030 not even built yet, it is a growing industry. However, current statistics project that the need for qualified, skilled individuals working in the field will far exceed the supply, with over 1 million job openings by 2012,” said Dr. Charles H. Thornton, Founder and Chairman of ACE. “This is a crisis that we cannot afford – the growth of our country depends on finding solutions. These national and local initiatives will help to begin the careers of a new generation of talented professionals and marks an historic opportunity for us to make a difference and continue the growth of an industry that is so important.”

If you would like to become a mentor with the ACE Program of Iowa, please contact Monica Worheide, Master Builders of Iowa, at mworheide@mbionline.com or 515-288-8904.