Celebrating Olivia Solomon – ACE Scholarship Winner
We’re proud to shine the spotlight on Olivia Solomon, recipient of a $3,000 ACE Scholarship and future changemaker in the field of Electrical and Computer Engineering. A graduate of Cumberland County Technical Education Center (CCTEC), Olivia completed four years in the school’s engineering program and is now heading to Rowan University to pursue her dream of working in national defense — with hopes to one day design cutting-edge systems for organizations like Lockheed Martin or the Department of Defense. In her own words, “ACE has given me the opportunity to connect with professionals in their respective fields and see what it is truly like to work in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries.” Olivia’s drive, curiosity, and commitment to service are matched only by her energy — she’s also a competitive runner and pole vaulter! We’re honored to support her journey as she reaches new heights — on and off the track.
Celebrating Elijah Thomas – ACE Scholarship Winner
Meet Elijah Thomas, recipient of a $3,000 ACE Scholarship, whose passion for innovation and hands-on learning is already shaping a remarkable future. A graduate of CCTEC and dual-enrollment student at Rowan College of South Jersey, Elijah is earning both his high school diploma and an associate’s degree in Electrical Engineering Technology. With plans to continue his education in Mechanical Engineering, his goal is to become a project manager who brings smart, efficient solutions to life. Elijah credits the ACE Mentor Program for helping him understand the collaborative nature of the built environment: “ACE has helped me to see that those in architecture, engineering, and construction are all pivotal in bringing an idea into reality — and that making mistakes is among the best ways to improve the final result.” From engineering shop class to crafting his own wooden surfboard, Elijah blends creativity, curiosity, and coastal inspiration in all he does. We’re proud to support his next wave of success!
Celebrating Jordan Colon – Carpenters’ Company Scholar
We’re thrilled to recognize Jordan Colon, recipient of the $10,000 Carpenters’ Company Scholarship, as one of this year’s ACE Mentor Program of Greater Philadelphia scholarship winners. A dedicated engineering student at CCTEC and the oldest of three siblings, Jordan is paving the way not only for his future, but for those who look up to him. This fall, he’ll be continuing his journey at Kean University, majoring in Architecture with aspirations to one day earn his master’s degree and open his own firm. Jordan shared how ACE has helped sharpen his attention to detail and build skills that will carry him into his next chapter and beyond: “ACE has allowed me to look at small details with greater depth and has allowed me to improve my skills to be ready for whatever my future brings.” We’re proud to support Jordan as he lays the foundation for a bright, bold career in architecture — and we can’t wait to see how high he builds.
2025 Annual Scholarship Breakfast Recap
The ACE Mentor Program of Greater Philadelphia proudly hosted its 24th Annual Scholarship Breakfast, a morning filled with celebration, gratitude, and transition. The event honored the accomplishments of students, the dedication of mentors, and the generosity of sponsors who help shape the future of the design and construction industries. Honoring Leadership & Welcoming New BeginningsOpening remarks were delivered by Alex Chan, Vice Chair of the Board and Senior Associate at Gensler, who acknowledged the invaluable support of ACE’s volunteers and sponsors. A heartfelt tribute was given to Melissa Raffel, who received the Lasting Legacy Award as she steps down after years of extraordinary service as Executive Director. Alex then introduced Breanna Sheeler as the new Executive Director. A former ACE student, scholarship recipient, mentor, and board chair, Breanna shared her full-circle journey and vision for expanding ACE’s impact. Celebrating Student AchievementThis year, ACE Greater Philadelphia awarded $82,000 in scholarships to 16 outstanding high school students. Kwabena Addo-Boateng of AtkinsRéalis led the presentations, with major named scholarships presented by The Carpenters’ Company, O’Donnell & Naccarato, Gilbane, GBCA, and Michael & Marybeth Beck. Recognizing Mentorship and PartnershipJessica O’Donnell of Urban Practice was honored as Outstanding Mentor of the Year, celebrated for her impactful work guiding Camden-based students through design projects.The Carpenter’s Company was named Partner of the Year, recognized for their long-standing support and deep alignment with ACE’s mission. Gratitude for Our SponsorsShawn Carlin of Gilbane closed the program by thanking the generous sponsors whose contributions directly fund programming and scholarships. Platinum Plus sponsors included The Carpenter’s Company, Gilbane, and O’Donnell & Naccarato. Looking AheadIn her closing remarks, Executive Director Breanna Sheeler expressed deep appreciation to the ACE community and called on all in attendance to continue supporting the students who represent the future of the built environment. VIEW PHOTOS OF THE EVENT HERE
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
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
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