A Towering Success!

The ACE Mentor Program of Greater Philadelphia’s Annual Giant Jenga Tournament was back and bigger than ever! With over 400 attendees and 64 teams stacking up against the competition, the night was filled with high-energy matches, intense concentration, and some truly game-changing moments. Congratulations to Alderson Engineering, this year’s Giant Jenga Champion! They outlasted the competition, proving that a steady hand and solid strategy go a long way—just like in the A/E/C industries. Beyond the friendly rivalry, this event was about something much bigger: raising vital funds for ACE Greater Philadelphia to support scholarships and mentorship programs for high school students pursuing careers in architecture, construction, and engineering. Thanks to the unwavering support of our sponsors, board members, and the entire A/E/C community, we raised over $20,000 to help shape the future of the industry. Breanna Sheeler, Chair of the Board, shared her excitement about the event’s impact: “The Giant Jenga Tournament is always an unforgettable night, but the real victory is the opportunities we’re creating for students. Every dollar raised helps mentor and guide the next generation of architects, engineers, and construction professionals, ensuring the strength and growth of our industry for years to come.” A huge THANK YOU to all of our sponsors and participants who made this event possible. Your support lays the foundation for ACE students to build brighter futures—one block at a time. VIEW MORE PHOTOS HERE! #ACEGreaterPhiladelphia #GiantJenga #BuildingTheFuture #ACEMentor #AECCareers #MentorshipMatters
2024 Golf Outing Recap

2023 Golf Outing Recap Golfers hit the links on Monday, October 16th in support of ACE Mentor Program’s scholarship program. Over $100,000 was raised thanks to our sponsors and participants. Special thanks to Hatzel & Buehler and Bluestone Communications for stepping up to be our Tournament Sponsor! We’d also like to thank Gilbane for being our Presenting Annual Sponsor and supporting our efforts throughout the year. Congratulations go out to our top 3 teams of the tournament:1st Place with a score of 120 Mike Bilotta, Greg Goldner, Herman Goldner, Jr. and Herman Goldner 2nd Place with a score of 128 MC Jim McNamara, John Ricketts, Marr Curry and Chris Young 3rd Place with a score of 128 MC Mike Farrell, Mark Rabinowitz, TJ Henderson and Keith Bergen Congratulations also go out to our special contest winners:Putting Contest: Seamus Malley Closest to Pin #4 – Women: Megan Caldarelli at 23’3” Closest to the Pin #4 – Men: Jens Knudsen at 5’4” Longest Drive #10 – Women: Carol Horne Penn Longest Drive #10 – Men: Shawn Carlin Learn more about news, events, and announcements! 26Sep admin September 26, 2024 ACE Mentor Philly Awarded NBC Universal Local Impact Grant ACE Mentor Philly Awarded NBC Universal Local Impact Grant We are proud to announce that ACE Mentor Program of Greater Philadelphia is a winner of… Read More 01Feb admin February 01, 2024 Welcome to ACE Rewards Welcome to ACE Rewards Introducing ACE Rewards – a new incentive system for the Spring 2024 Program Semester! Students earn 1 point for each ACE session they… Read More 10Nov admin November 10, 2023 2023 Golf Outing Recap 2023 Golf Outing Recap Golfers hit the links on Monday, October 16th in support of ACE Mentor Program’s scholarship program. Over $100,000 was raised thanks to our… Read More 14Sep admin September 14, 2023 ACE Mentor Philly Awarded NBC Universal Local Impact Grant ACE Mentor Philly Awarded NBC Universal Local Impact Grant We are proud to announce that ACE Mentor Program of Greater Philadelphia is a winner of… Read More
ACE Program Benefits

ACE Program Benefits The ACE Mentor Program of Greater Philadelphia is a no-cost after-school program that prioritizes workforce development for high school students by connecting them with experts from the design and construction industry. ACE Mentor Program of Greater Philadelphia addresses pressing workforce needs, offers a range of exciting opportunities for students, and plays a crucial role in bridging the skills gap, with continuous mentor opportunities from high school through to full-time employment. Learn more about news, events, and announcements! 09Oct October 09, 2024 ACE Program Benefits ACE Program Benefits The ACE Mentor Program of Greater Philadelphia is a no-cost after-school program that prioritizes workforce development for high school students by connecting… Read More 09Oct October 09, 2024 2024 ACE National Yearbook 2024 ACE National Yearbook It is another amazing Yearbook that showcases the many stories, successes, and wonderful dedicated people of the ACE Mentor Program across the country. … Read More 01Feb February 01, 2024 Welcome to ACE Rewards Welcome to ACE Rewards Introducing ACE Rewards – a new incentive system for the Spring 2024 Program Semester! Students earn 1 point for each ACE session they… Read More 10Nov November 10, 2023 2023 Golf Outing Recap 2023 Golf Outing Recap Golfers hit the links on Monday, October 16th in support of ACE Mentor Program’s scholarship program. Over $100,000 was raised thanks to our… Read More 14Sep September 14, 2023 ACE Mentor Philly Awarded NBC Universal Local Impact Grant ACE Mentor Philly Awarded NBC Universal Local Impact Grant We are proud to announce that ACE Mentor Program of Greater Philadelphia is a winner of… Read More 26Aug August 26, 2023 ACE Graduate, Cameron Mack, Honored by NOMA ACE Graduate, Cameron Mack, Honored by NOMA Cameron Mack, who attends Howard University, has joined the Cooper Carry design firm for the 2023 summer fellowship… Read More 02Jun June 02, 2023 ACE 1st Trades Day ACE 1st Trades Day On Tuesday, May 16, ACE students and mentors participated in our first Trades Day at the Finishing Trades Institute. Students were… Read More 23Jan January 23, 2023 ACE Philly Gives Back on MLK Day ACE Philly Gives Back on MLK Day To celebrate MLK Day, the ACE Mentor Program of Greater Philadelphia honored the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther… Read More
2024 ACE National Yearbook

2024 ACE National Yearbook It is another amazing Yearbook that showcases the many stories, successes, and wonderful dedicated people of the ACE Mentor Program across the country. Thank you to BNP/ENR for the production and publication of the Yearbook. Your support is priceless. VIEW the yearbook Learn more about news, events, and announcements! 09Oct admin October 09, 2024 2024 ACE National Yearbook 2024 ACE National Yearbook It is another amazing Yearbook that showcases the many stories, successes, and wonderful dedicated people of the ACE Mentor Program across the country. … Read More 01Feb admin February 01, 2024 Welcome to ACE Rewards Welcome to ACE Rewards Introducing ACE Rewards – a new incentive system for the Spring 2024 Program Semester! Students earn 1 point for each ACE session they… Read More 10Nov admin November 10, 2023 2023 Golf Outing Recap 2023 Golf Outing Recap Golfers hit the links on Monday, October 16th in support of ACE Mentor Program’s scholarship program. Over $100,000 was raised thanks to our… Read More 14Sep admin September 14, 2023 ACE Mentor Philly Awarded NBC Universal Local Impact Grant ACE Mentor Philly Awarded NBC Universal Local Impact Grant We are proud to announce that ACE Mentor Program of Greater Philadelphia is a winner of… Read More 26Aug admin August 26, 2023 ACE Graduate, Cameron Mack, Honored by NOMA ACE Graduate, Cameron Mack, Honored by NOMA Cameron Mack, who attends Howard University, has joined the Cooper Carry design firm for the 2023 summer fellowship… Read More 02Jun admin June 02, 2023 ACE 1st Trades Day ACE 1st Trades Day On Tuesday, May 16, ACE students and mentors participated in our first Trades Day at the Finishing Trades Institute. Students were… Read More
Welcome to ACE Rewards

Welcome to ACE Rewards Introducing ACE Rewards – a new incentive system for the Spring 2024 Program Semester! Students earn 1 point for each ACE session they attend and can trade them in for ACE swag or gift cards! To earn points, students must do ONE of the following: Complete THIS FORM OR Take a photo or video at each ACE session and send it to mraffel@acementor.org or 610-952-1365. Make sure to include: Your first and last name The date of the ACE session shown in the photo A short description of one thing you enjoyed or learned during the session *Photos can include: selfies with other students or mentors on the team, students working on an activity, tours or field trips, etc. OR Email mraffel@acementor.org (be sure to CC your ACE mentor) and let us know about one thing you learned or enjoyed working on during the ACE session (no photo/video necessary). Be sure to include: Your first and last name the date of the ACE session 5 Points = Sketch Set 10 Points = $5 Wawa Gift Card + ACE Sketch Set15 Points = $15 Wawa Gift Card + ACE Sketch Set + ACE BackpackPlease note: students (not mentors) are responsible for submitting information in order to receive points! Learn more about news, events, and announcements! 26Sep admin September 26, 2024 ACE Mentor Philly Awarded NBC Universal Local Impact Grant ACE Mentor Philly Awarded NBC Universal Local Impact Grant We are proud to announce that ACE Mentor Program of Greater Philadelphia is a winner of… Read More 01Feb admin February 01, 2024 Welcome to ACE Rewards Welcome to ACE Rewards Introducing ACE Rewards – a new incentive system for the Spring 2024 Program Semester! Students earn 1 point for each ACE session they… Read More 10Nov admin November 10, 2023 2023 Golf Outing Recap 2023 Golf Outing Recap Golfers hit the links on Monday, October 16th in support of ACE Mentor Program’s scholarship program. Over $100,000 was raised thanks to our… Read More 14Sep admin September 14, 2023 ACE Mentor Philly Awarded NBC Universal Local Impact Grant ACE Mentor Philly Awarded NBC Universal Local Impact Grant We are proud to announce that ACE Mentor Program of Greater Philadelphia is a winner of… Read More
2023 Golf Outing Recap

2023 Golf Outing Recap Golfers hit the links on Monday, October 16th in support of ACE Mentor Program’s scholarship program. Over $100,000 was raised thanks to our sponsors and participants. Special thanks to Hatzel & Buehler and Bluestone Communications for stepping up to be our Tournament Sponsor! We’d also like to thank Gilbane for being our Presenting Annual Sponsor and supporting our efforts throughout the year. Congratulations go out to our top 3 teams of the tournament:1st Place with a score of 120 Mike Bilotta, Greg Goldner, Herman Goldner, Jr. and Herman Goldner 2nd Place with a score of 128 MC Jim McNamara, John Ricketts, Marr Curry and Chris Young 3rd Place with a score of 128 MC Mike Farrell, Mark Rabinowitz, TJ Henderson and Keith Bergen Congratulations also go out to our special contest winners:Putting Contest: Seamus Malley Closest to Pin #4 – Women: Megan Caldarelli at 23’3” Closest to the Pin #4 – Men: Jens Knudsen at 5’4” Longest Drive #10 – Women: Carol Horne Penn Longest Drive #10 – Men: Shawn Carlin Learn more about news, events, and announcements! 26Sep admin September 26, 2024 ACE Mentor Philly Awarded NBC Universal Local Impact Grant ACE Mentor Philly Awarded NBC Universal Local Impact Grant We are proud to announce that ACE Mentor Program of Greater Philadelphia is a winner of… Read More 01Feb admin February 01, 2024 Welcome to ACE Rewards Welcome to ACE Rewards Introducing ACE Rewards – a new incentive system for the Spring 2024 Program Semester! Students earn 1 point for each ACE session they… Read More 10Nov admin November 10, 2023 2023 Golf Outing Recap 2023 Golf Outing Recap Golfers hit the links on Monday, October 16th in support of ACE Mentor Program’s scholarship program. Over $100,000 was raised thanks to our… Read More 14Sep admin September 14, 2023 ACE Mentor Philly Awarded NBC Universal Local Impact Grant ACE Mentor Philly Awarded NBC Universal Local Impact Grant We are proud to announce that ACE Mentor Program of Greater Philadelphia is a winner of… Read More
ACE Mentor Philly Awarded NBC Universal Local Impact Grant

ACE Mentor Philly Awarded NBC Universal Local Impact Grant We are proud to announce that ACE Mentor Program of Greater Philadelphia is a winner of The Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation’s 2023 Local Impact Grants Challenge. The Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation is granting nearly $2.5 million this year to non-profits that are strengthening our communities. By winning this competitive grant, we hope to continue strengthening our community. Grant programs like this help us achieve our mission to engage, enlighten, and inspire local high school students to learn about careers in architecture, construction, and engineering by driving our local communities forward and fostering a culture of equity and inclusion. With this newly won grant, ACE Mentor Program of Greater Philadelphia will be able to continue to make a powerful impact on students’ exposure to careers in the design and construction industries, and help them achieve career objectives by offering scholarships and support. Will we use the funding to provide Philadelphia area high school students with career exploration programming and educational opportunities in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction industries. This grant is more than an award to our program – it is a celebration of our mission and we are very happy to share this exciting opportunity for growth. Learn more about news, events, and announcements! 01Feb admin February 01, 2024 Welcome to ACE Rewards Welcome to ACE Rewards Introducing ACE Rewards – a new incentive system for the Spring 2024 Program Semester! Students earn 1 point for each ACE session they… Read More 10Nov admin November 10, 2023 2023 Golf Outing Recap 2023 Golf Outing Recap Golfers hit the links on Monday, October 16th in support of ACE Mentor Program’s scholarship program. Over $100,000 was raised thanks to our… Read More 14Sep admin September 14, 2023 ACE Mentor Philly Awarded NBC Universal Local Impact Grant 2023 Golf Outing Recap Golfers hit the links on Monday, October 16th in support of ACE Mentor Program’s scholarship program. Over $100,000 was raised thanks to our… Read More
ACE Graduate, Cameron Mack, Honored by NOMA

ACE Graduate, Cameron Mack, Honored by NOMA Cameron Mack, who attends Howard University, has joined the Cooper Carry design firm for the 2023 summer fellowship cohort. Continuing to not only champion but provide pathways to academic and professional advancement, the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) celebrates another fellowship cohort of young designers. The NOMA Future Faces (NFF), formerly known as the NOMA Foundation Fellowship, recognizes 13 architecture students and graduates for this 2023 cohort as they engage in a two-month-long summer fellowship. These fellowships are “hosted at leading architecture firms across the country where fellows engage in design research and benefit from firm mentorship,” explains NOMA. “In an industry where only two percent of licensed architects in the United States identify as Black, the NFF plays a crucial role in providing valuable professional experience to underrepresented students.” Since the organization’s inaugural cohort in 2020, the group has worked with 96 fellows and has helped place them at 88 firms for mentorship. What’s even more impressive is the number of colleges and universities represented throughout the fellowship’s existence. To date, there have been a total of 77 architecture schools represented from the U.S. and nearly 100 total fellowships offered. Read more here. READ MORE Learn more about news, events, and announcements! 01Feb admin February 01, 2024 Welcome to ACE Rewards Welcome to ACE Rewards Introducing ACE Rewards – a new incentive system for the Spring 2024 Program Semester! Students earn 1 point for each ACE session they… Read More 10Nov admin November 10, 2023 2023 Golf Outing Recap 2023 Golf Outing Recap Golfers hit the links on Monday, October 16th in support of ACE Mentor Program’s scholarship program. Over $100,000 was raised thanks to our… Read More 14Sep admin September 14, 2023 ACE Mentor Philly Awarded NBC Universal Local Impact Grant ACE Mentor Philly Awarded NBC Universal Local Impact Grant We are proud to announce that ACE Mentor Program of Greater Philadelphia is a winner of… Read More 26Aug admin August 26, 2023 ACE Graduate, Cameron Mack, Honored by NOMA ACE Mentor Philly Awarded NBC Universal Local Impact Grant We are proud to announce that ACE Mentor Program of Greater Philadelphia is a winner of… Read More
BUILD DAY | 2023

Build Day | 2023 On Saturday, June 3rd, the ACE Mentor Program of Greater Philadelphia will culminate the 2023 program year with a community build day at the Houseman Rec Center. This is the third year that ACE has guided high school students through the design and construction of a project to improve a public space. The Design & Build Project Team has spent months collaborating with many partners to create stunning and empowering lintel murals and door ‘stickers’ to decorate the exterior of the building, and plans to revitalize the entrance plaza pavement, install fence weaving signage, and paint trash enclosure. These efforts will come to a beautiful conclusion at the 2023 Build Day, attended by ACE mentors and students, colleagues from WRT, and Pennoni. Representative from Philadelphia Parks & Recreation will also be in attendance, along with volunteers from Walls for Justice. We are especially grateful to the many families from the surrounding neighborhood who visit the site and have participated in prior years’ activities. We look forward to seeing them again on June 3rd, and giving them an even more beautiful space to enjoy. We are once again calling for volunteers to assist with this year’s project. If interested, RSVP by emailing ace@wrtdesign.com. ACE is grateful to lead sponsor Michell’s, the many partners who collaborated on this project, and all of the volunteers who attend the Build Day on June 3rd. Our mentorship of students interested in the A-E-C industries and our service to Philadelphia neighborhoods is made possible by their support! Learn more about news, events, and announcements! 25Oct admin October 25, 2024 2024 Golf Outing Recap 2023 Golf Outing Recap Golfers hit the links on Monday, October 16th in support of ACE Mentor Program’s scholarship program. Over $100,000 was raised thanks to our… Read More 09Oct admin October 09, 2024 ACE Program Benefits ACE Program Benefits The ACE Mentor Program of Greater Philadelphia is a no-cost after-school program that prioritizes workforce development for high school students by connecting… Read More 04Sep admin September 04, 2024 2024 ACE National Yearbook 2024 ACE National Yearbook It is another amazing Yearbook that showcases the many stories, successes, and wonderful dedicated people of the ACE Mentor Program across the country. … Read More 01Feb admin February 01, 2024 Welcome to ACE Rewards Welcome to ACE Rewards Introducing ACE Rewards – a new incentive system for the Spring 2024 Program Semester! Students earn 1 point for each ACE session they… Read More 10Nov admin November 10, 2023 2023 Golf Outing Recap 2023 Golf Outing Recap Golfers hit the links on Monday, October 16th in support of ACE Mentor Program’s scholarship program. Over $100,000 was raised thanks to our… Read More 14Sep admin September 14, 2023 ACE Mentor Philly Awarded NBC Universal Local Impact Grant ACE Mentor Philly Awarded NBC Universal Local Impact Grant We are proud to announce that ACE Mentor Program of Greater Philadelphia is a winner of… Read More 26Aug admin August 26, 2023 ACE Graduate, Cameron Mack, Honored by NOMA ACE Graduate, Cameron Mack, Honored by NOMA Cameron Mack, who attends Howard University, has joined the Cooper Carry design firm for the 2023 summer fellowship… Read More 06Jun admin June 06, 2023 BUILD DAY | 2023 Build Day | 2023 On Saturday, June 3rd, the ACE Mentor Program of Greater Philadelphia will culminate the 2023 program year with a community build day… Read More 02Jun admin June 02, 2023 ACE 1st Trades Day ACE 1st Trades Day On Tuesday, May 16, ACE students and mentors participated in our first Trades Day at the Finishing Trades Institute. Students were… Read More 23Jan admin January 23, 2023 ACE Philly Gives Back on MLK Day ACE Philly Gives Back on MLK Day To celebrate MLK Day, the ACE Mentor Program of Greater Philadelphia honored the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther… Read More
ACE 1st Trades Day

ACE 1st Trades Day On Tuesday, May 16, ACE students and mentors participated in our first Trades Day at the Finishing Trades Institute. Students were able to tour the facility and participate in many hands-on activities related to the trades. Participants learned about the importance of following safety protocols in a work environment and were able to speak with many of FTI’s instructors. Students also were able to try their hands at hanging wallpaper, painting a wall, setting glass into a frame, and walking on stilts! Many thanks to FTI for providing our students with an exceptional experience! VIEW PHOTOS HERE Learn more about news, events, and announcements! 01Feb admin February 01, 2024 Welcome to ACE Rewards Welcome to ACE Rewards Introducing ACE Rewards – a new incentive system for the Spring 2024 Program Semester! Students earn 1 point for each ACE session they… Read More 10Nov admin November 10, 2023 2023 Golf Outing Recap 2023 Golf Outing Recap Golfers hit the links on Monday, October 16th in support of ACE Mentor Program’s scholarship program. Over $100,000 was raised thanks to our… Read More 14Sep admin September 14, 2023 ACE Mentor Philly Awarded NBC Universal Local Impact Grant ACE Mentor Philly Awarded NBC Universal Local Impact Grant We are proud to announce that ACE Mentor Program of Greater Philadelphia is a winner of… Read More 26Aug admin August 26, 2023 ACE Graduate, Cameron Mack, Honored by NOMA ACE Graduate, Cameron Mack, Honored by NOMA Cameron Mack, who attends Howard University, has joined the Cooper Carry design firm for the 2023 summer fellowship… Read More 02Jun admin June 02, 2023 ACE 1st Trades Day 2023 Golf Outing Recap Golfers hit the links on Monday, October 16th in support of ACE Mentor Program’s scholarship program. Over $100,000 was raised thanks to our… Read More