For six years, Principal Dan Benner has been involved with the ACE Mentor Program, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing high school students with hands on experience from mentors in the architecture, construction and engineering industries.
For Students
ACE is one of the construction industry's most respected high school mentoring programs with over 10,000 students nation-wide. This program is open to students curious about careers in design and construction. It connects these bright, like-minded peers and gives them a common platform to share their creative passions. Through mentorship, students get a hands-on understanding of the tasks and responsibilities of design and construction professionals by taking field trips to professional offices, visiting job sites, and solving real-world business challenges. Additionally, it’s an opportunity for students to expand their knowledge of the A/E/C industries and make guided and informed decisions on potential careers in these respective fields.
For Mentors
The Program is driven and led by mentors who serve on a volunteer basis. Not only are these individuals highly respected professionals in their industries, but they also possess the right mix of knowledge, passion and rapport to connect with students and inspire them to learn. The mentors design curriculum, organize field trips, and ensure that students get practical and tangible knowledge and experience. Thanks to their altruistic efforts, these mentors are priming our industry’s future leaders to be innovators and think ahead of the curve.
For Our Firm
Principal Dan Benner introduced our firm to this powerful organization in 2017 and leads the mentor team at Eisenhower High School in the Rialto Unified School District. He also mentors students at Etiwanda High School, Martin Luther King High School and Santiago High School. Through his involvement, Dan works with other mentors to introduce students to various aspects of each key discipline, and lead students through design exercises, engineering explorations, and construction overviews. This year, the students are participating in a national Design Competition where they are creating a Modular Living Environment project designed to embrace sustainable technologies and address the supportive housing crisis.
Dan Benner preparing curriculum for the January ACE Mentor Program meeting.
“My participation in this Mentor Program has been an incredibly rewarding experience knowing that numerous students over the past six years have chosen to pursue higher education studies or trade apprenticeships that will hopefully place them into an ACE career.”
Students at each high school have enjoyed the program so much, that the chapter is in need of additional mentors to support the program at several campuses where the level of mentor participation can vary. If you are interested in becoming an active mentor, guest presenter, or volunteering at one of the annual ACE Mentor events visit http://www.acementor.org/ to learn how your experience, enthusiasm and excitement can make a difference in helping a student choose their career path.