Master Builders of Iowa

Become a mentor with the Ace Mentor Program of Iowa!

The ACE Mentor Program of Iowa relies upon committed, energetic mentor participation. By acting as professional role models, trusted friends and career advisors, mentors make a significant contribution to their communities, while helping to develop the professionals who will lead tomorrow’s building industry. In addition, mentoring presents a variety of networking opportunities, as well as chances to sharpen individual presentation and other professional skills.

The ACE Mentor program's mission is to increase the awareness of high school students to career opportunities in architecture, construction and engineering and related areas of the design and construction industry through mentoring; and to provide scholarship opportunities for students in an inclusive manner reflective of the diverse school population.

ACE is a unique partnership among industry professionals — architects, interior designers, engineers, construction managers, college and university representatives, and other professionals from related corporations and professional organizations — who work together to attract young people to their professions.

Many industry professionals in Iowa have already volunteered to become mentors to high school students in order to introduce them to the professions and encourage them to pursue studies and careers in these fields. In return, the industry gets a much-needed boost of new talent.

Mentors should be dedicated industry participants who are passionate about what they do and want to share their enthusiasm with the workforce of the future. In addition, they must be able to establish rapport with students.  Over the course of the school year, mentors need to be prepared to commit to up to 30 hours of their time.

ACE runs for the duration of the school year. The teams meet for approximately 15 sessions, for about two hours after school. In addition to these team sessions, there are also all-team activities such as "College Night" and field trips to construction sites.

At the end of the year, all of the teams, in each location, gather for a final presentation night. Here they present their designs to the other teams, their families, teachers, prospective mentors and the affiliate administrators so all can share in the students' accomplishments.

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.