CHATTANOOGA, TN, August 16, 2011 - The new 2011-2012 ACE Mentor Program of Southeast Tennessee and North Georgia is underway approximately 30high school students are currently enrolled in the after-school program.

The ACE (architects, constructors, engineers) Mentor Program is a national not-for-profit organization with chapters throughout the United States. The mission of the program is twofold: To inform and motivate students toward careers in architecture, construction management and engineering and to provide mentoring and scholarship opportunities for those interested in pursuing these fields. Students are recruited from both public and private high schools in Southeast Tennessee and North Georgia with special efforts made to reach the traditionally underrepresented populations of women and minorities.

Students are assigned to teams led by volunteer mentors from firms representing architects, construction managers, engineers (civil, structural, mechanical, electrical and environmental) and owners. Generally, teams meet after school every other week with meetings held in the offices of mentor firms. Each team selects a project and goes through the entire design process learning various skills along the way. In addition to "office" meetings, teams go on field trips to actual construction sites. At the end of the school year, the teams gather to present their projects to assembled mentors, family and friends, much as an actual design team would present to a client.

There is no financial commitment for the program. Attendance and active participation in the meetings are the main commitment of the student. Students also need to provide for their own transportation to the location of the meetings.

For more information on the program, or for sponsorship opportunities, contact Brittany Scott at 423-752-3438 ext 123.