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ACE Mentor Program offers Pasco County high school students pathways into architecture, construction and engineering
Summary
Program representatives on 'Communicating the Vision' described a Greater Tampa Bay ACE affiliate that served 100+ students last year and awarded roughly $82,000 in scholarships to 26 students; Pasco meetings run at Kirkland Ranch Academy and registration is at acementor.org.
Hosts of the program "Communicating the Vision" introduced representatives of the ACE Mentor Program, a national nonprofit that connects high school students with professionals in architecture, construction and engineering, and described local operations serving Pasco County students.
The guests were introduced on the show as Michelle Becker of ENTTEC LLC and Curtis De Laquille of JE Dunn Construction; the episode’s speakers did not make it possible to map which named guest made each individual remark, so quotes are attributed to program presenters as spoken on the broadcast.
Program presenters said the Greater Tampa Bay affiliate served more than 100 students last year and awarded more than $82,000 in scholarships to 26 students. "All high school students can join," one presenter said, noting the program is open to grades nine through 12 and that awareness for eighth-graders can help future recruitment.
Presenters described the local program structure: a 10-week curriculum that follows a project life cycle from design to construction, weekly sessions typically held on Tuesdays with dinner provided, and small mentor groups (about three students per mentor) that guide student capstone projects and help build professional networks. "We typically meet on Tuesdays... We always provide dinner," one presenter said.
Registration for the ACE Mentor Program opens in the summer; the affiliate kicks off with a virtual parent meeting and then starts in late September. The Greater Tampa Bay affiliate currently operates five locations — one in Pasco County, two in Pinellas County and two in Hillsborough County — and Pasco County students meet at Kirkland Ranch Academy from about 5 to 6:30 p.m. each Tuesday through early March. Presenters said they hope to add a second Pasco location in the future.
Presenters outlined scholarship logistics: local and national scholarships are awarded, with applications typically opening in late December or early January. Award decisions factor attendance, grade level, years of participation and responses to three essay questions; a board-designated review team evaluates submissions. "Every year, we have a fundraising campaign for our local corporate sponsors," one presenter said, describing ongoing efforts to increase both the number and dollar value of awards.
Hosts closed by directing families and potential mentors to acementor.org to find the Greater Tampa Bay affiliate, register as students or sign up as mentors, and to receive kickoff communications. The segment ended with thanks to the guests and the program’s sponsor.
The broadcast did not record any formal actions, votes, or policy decisions; it focused on outreach, program structure, registration and scholarship opportunities.
