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2026 ACE Student Showcase

Teams will be provided with a designated space to display examples of the work done throughout the ACE year, either in the main area of the CHOP Commons or within two adjacent conference spaces for formal presentations. Teams will have time to set up starting at 4pm, and at 5pm we will open the doors to family, teachers, mentors, and ACE sponsors who will walk through the “gallery” and watch the presentations. We encourage the students to see this an opportunity to network, practice their public speaking, and most importantly, to have fun and celebrate another successful year of ACE!

Building More Than Homes: Sharswood Neighborhood Transformation Earns Project of the Year – Community

As we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the ACE Mentor Program of Greater Philadelphia, we are proud to recognize one of the individuals whose vision and leadership helped make it all possible.

This year’s 25th Anniversary Founder Award is presented to Anthony F. Naccarato, PE, SE, F. ASCE—a true champion of mentorship, education, and the future of the architecture, construction, and engineering industries.

Transforming Innovation – Alumni Hall Renovations

As we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the ACE Mentor Program of Greater Philadelphia, we are proud to recognize one of the individuals whose vision and leadership helped make it all possible.

PHILLY HIGH SCHOOLERS TO PRACTICE MASONRY WITH PROFESSIONALS AS PART OF MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

Eight students from Girard College and 8 students from Jules E. Mastbaum AVTS High School will take part in a hands-on field visit to the Philadelphia Training Center as part of a 10-week after-school mentoring program introducing young people to careers in architecture, construction, engineering, and the trades.

Honoring a Visionary Leader

As we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the ACE Mentor Program of Greater Philadelphia, we are proud to recognize one of the individuals whose vision and leadership helped make it all possible.

Blueprint for Impact: Giant Jenga 2026

Blueprint for Impact: Giant Jenga 2026 On February 5, 2026, the stacks were high, the nerves were steady (mostly), and the competition was fierce as 64 teams gathered at the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum for ACE Greater Philadelphia’s Annual Giant Jenga Tournament. For four hours, the room buzzed with energy — towers wobbling, teammates coaching from the sidelines, and the collective gasp of hundreds of industry professionals watching a single block slide free. It was strategy. It was suspense. It was structural engineering… in its most entertaining form. And in the end, one team stood tallest. Tournament Results: 1st Place Champion: HILTI 2nd Place: WJE 3rd Place: Skanska and Clemens Construction Speed Round Winner: WJE HILTI displayed focus and finesse all night long, carefully navigating each round with steady hands and confident calls. WJE brought the heat as well, dominating the Speed Round and proving that precision and quick thinking can go hand in hand. The final rounds had the entire room on edge — one wrong move, one shaky pull, and it was all over. But beyond the trophies and bragging rights, this night was about something much bigger. Thank You to Our Sponsors This event would not have been possible without the extraordinary support of our sponsor community — leaders across the architecture, construction, and engineering industries who believe deeply in investing in the next generation. Annual Sponsors Alderson Engineering • BCCLT, Inc. • Brandywine Realty Trust • BRR Architecture • Carpenters’ Company • Employing Bricklayers Association • EwingCole • Fralinger Engineering • GBCA • Gensler • Gilbane • JKRP Architects • Langan Engineering & Environmental • Lorraine & Bernon Chamberlin • Manders/Merighi Realty • Michael & Marybeth Beck • MMPFA • O’Donnell & Naccarato • P. Agnes • Precis Engineering + Architecture • Rycon Construction • Stanker & Galetto, Inc. • The Lighting Practice • Turner Construction Company • Vivid Project Management • Watchdog PM • WRT Music Sponsors Independence Steel • Stantec Swag Sponsor DCI Engineers Jenga Team Sponsors AEI • Alderson Engineering • Becker & Frondorf • BR+A • Carpenters Apprentice Ready Program • Clemens Construction • Cresa • D&R Construction • EDA Contractors • FCA • GT Telecom • Harkins Builders • HDR • Henderson Engineering • Hilti • Holstein White • IMC • JDavis – ISG, Inc. • Keast & Hood • LF Driscoll • McDonald Building Co. • McGillin Architecture, Inc. • McHugh Engineers • Michael A. Beach & Associates, LLC • Paul Rabinowitz Glass Company • Premier Building Restoration • Schneider Electric • Skanska • Spiezle • StructureTone • Target Building • Torcon • United Rentals • Urban Practice • Whitestone • WJE Your partnership fuels opportunity. Your engagement shows students that this industry is invested in them. And your willingness to show up — competitively and philanthropically — makes a lasting difference. $40,000 Raised for Future Industry Leaders Thanks to the incredible turnout, enthusiastic participation, and generous sponsorship support, we are proud to share that $40,000 was raised through this year’s Giant Jenga Tournament. That’s $40,000 going directly toward mentorship, scholarships, industry exposure, and hands-on learning opportunities for high school students across the Greater Philadelphia region. One evening.64 teams.Countless laughs.And a powerful investment in the future. Why It Matters The ACE Mentor Program of Greater Philadelphia connects high school students with professionals in architecture, construction, and engineering, providing mentorship, career exposure, and scholarship opportunities that can change the trajectory of a student’s life. For many students, ACE is their first introduction to these career pathways. It opens doors. It builds confidence. It provides access. And it creates a bridge between classroom learning and real-world industry experience. Events like the Giant Jenga Tournament do more than raise funds — they build community around a shared commitment to the next generation. To every team who competed, every sponsor who invested, and every supporter who showed up: thank you for stacking up for students. We can’t wait to do it again next year. VIEW PHOTOS HERE

2025 GOLF OUTING RECAP

This annual publication is more than pages of photos and stories — it’s a powerful celebration of the students, mentors, affiliates, and partners who make up the ACE family nationwide.

The 2025 ACE Mentor Program Yearbook is here!

This annual publication is more than pages of photos and stories — it’s a powerful celebration of the students, mentors, affiliates, and partners who make up the ACE family nationwide.

Celebrating Edward Love – ACE Scholarship Winner

Introducing Edward Love, recipient of a $2,000 ACE Scholarship, and a creative visionary on his way to the Tyler School of Art and Architecture at Temple University. A graduating senior at Mastery Hardy Williams Charter High School, Edward’s passion for design is fueled by sketching, sculpting, and artistic exploration — all of which he plans to channel into an architecture career centered on sustainability, innovation, and social impact. Originally from Newark, NJ and now rooted in Philadelphia, Edward’s journey is one of transformation, perseverance, and purpose. “My time in ACE from 2023 to 2025 has taught me three things that make an architect: innovation, patience, and collaboration,” he shares. With a clear vision of using architecture to improve urban, suburban, and rural communities alike, Edward is committed to inspiring the next generation of creators and change-makers. From clay to construction, his designs are built to uplift.

Celebrating Owen McCormick – ACE Scholarship Winner

We’re proud to spotlight Brandon Bacordo, recipient of a $4,000 ACE Scholarship, who will be attending the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) this fall to study Architecture. A graduate of Abington Senior High School, Brandon’s goals are as ambitious as they are inspiring: to build affordable housing, reshape the urban fabric of cities, and center people — not cars — in the way we design public spaces. With a focus on sustainability and equity, Brandon is determined to design cities that uplift communities and create lasting impact. “ACE has shown me the work and creativity involved within the field, and how there is a spot for everyone regardless of strengths and interests,” he shares. That inclusive message continues to fuel his passion for people-first design — and the scholarship brings him one step closer to building the change he wants to see. (Fun fact: Brandon has been growing his hair out for four years — and he’s just getting started on growing his future, too!)

Author: admin