ACE Mentor Program of Charlotte

What a year we've had with our East Meck ACE team through the ACE Mentor Program of Charlotte! Working with the dedicated teachers and administrators in the East Meck CTE Pathways department, our diverse mentor team put together a robust syllabus tailored to our specific student group. This year, much of our ACE team was made up of returning students. ✨ Humble brag ✨ Last year their "School of the Future" design submission was awarded best architectural design and the ACE cup--both a first for East Meck. This year, the students expressed interest in pursuing engineering or the trades after they graduate. So, our mentors from DLR Group, Balfour Beatty plc, Neighboring Concepts, The Fallon Company, MSS Solutions, LLC, & MVDA Studio got to work! We spent our sessions learning and practicing all sorts of Architecture, Construction, and Engineering skills. Our typical afternoons ranged from reviewing drawings, finishing drywall, mixing concrete & touring jobsites to 3D modeling, discussing wholistic sustainability, learning the nuances of the various engineering disciplines, generating resumes & talking interview tips! None of this would have been possible without our various mentors and guest speakers that joined us throughout the year. Matt Lorenzo, Rob Jeffway, Briaunna Boyd, Molly Dukic, Dorail Porter, Jayla Horton, EI, Lauren Skufca, Cory High, PE (Lynch Mykins Structural Engineers), Adam Shadrick, Sheldyn Merrell (Neighboring Concepts), Molly Campbell, LEED GA (DLR Group), Lela Holt (University of North Carolina at Charlotte). Special thanks to Bri Boyd and Cathy Morrison for touring us through Neighboring Concept's YMCA / Atrium Health Community clinic in the fall, and Jayla and Rob for planning an awesome hands-on MEP session with MSS Solutions, LLC, PowerWorks Electric and Precision Plumbing. Another highlight was our Engineering Panel of Lauren Wyant, PE, SE, (SKA Consulting Engineers, Inc.), Eric Orozco (Neighboring Concepts) and Xavier Parrish, P.E. , LEED AP, PMP (MSS Solutions, LLC) that gathered over 20 students interested in future engineering and planning careers! Particularly near and dear to my heart was our DLR Group led VALUES session focused on Viewing Architecture through the Lens of the User Experience and Sustainability. Hearing directly from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools students what they value in their schools was 😍 *chefs kiss* Shout out to Daniel Lucenti (Wexford Science & Technology, LLC) and Jake Dyer (The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company) for helping us wrap up the year strong with a jobsite tour of "The Pearl" currently under construction in Charlotte's new Innovation District. Kudos to the collaborative team of students, mentors, and industry partners. We look forward to returning to East Meck in September for ACE 2024 - 2025! #ACE #mentorship #businessmeetspleasure #design #engagement #advocacy #architecture #construction #engineering

Thank you Cady Guyton, AIA, NCARB for this great summary of our action packed year at East Meck for the ACE Mentor Program of Charlotte! This would not have been possible without those that volunteered their time to join our sessions and share their expertise. A sincere thank you to you all! If you are interested in being a mentor for the 2024-2025 school year let me know!

Our ACE End of the Year Banquet was made extra special, thanks to McAdams for being our event sponsor! This sponsorship came along with the ability to sponsor one of our scholarships as well. We are thankful for your support! ACE Mentor Program of America

🎉 Congratulations to our incredible 2024 ACE Charlotte scholarship award winners! Your hard work, dedication, and passion have truly paid off. We are so proud of each and every one of you and can't wait to see the amazing things you'll achieve. Keep reaching for the stars! ACE Mentor Program of America Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools #ScholarshipWinners #ProudMoment #FutureLeaders #Congratulations #acementorclt #acecltbanquet2024

Without our sponsors the End of the Year ACE Charlotte Banquet would not be possible! Thank you @South-Fair Electric for being this years Food Sponsor and sponsoring all of the fantastic food from Field Pea Catering! #acecltbanquet2024 #acebanquet #acementorclt #SouthFairElectric #fieldpeacatering

Thank you to this years Banquets MC's! Board Chair, Kym Gardner and Board Vice-Chair, Allie Alu both with Turner Construction Company! You both kept the show going and we are thankful for all you both do for ACE Charlotte! ACE Mentor Program of America

Without our sponsors the End of the Year ACE Charlotte Banquet would not be possible! Thank you Environamics Inc. for being a table sponsor. We appreciate your support! #acecltbanquet2024 #acebanquet #acementorclt #Environamics

Every year we recognize one mentor that goes above and beyond for the ACE Mentor Program of Charlotte. Congratulations to Brian King with Rodgers Builders, Inc. on being selected as the ACE Mentor Program of Charlotte Mentor of the Year! Brian is not only the lead mentor of our brand new Hough High School team but is on the board and supports every event we have. He truly goes above and beyond. Well deserved Brian! ACE Mentor Program of America #mentoroftheyear #acementorclt #acecltbanquet2024 #rodgersbuilders #charlotte #ace #clt

Without our sponsors the End of the Year ACE Charlotte Banquet would not be possible! Thank you Starr Electric Company, Inc. for being a table sponsor. We appreciate your support! #acecltbanquet2024 #acebanquet #acementorclt #StarrElectricCompany

At the End of the Year Banquet we awarded the 2023 - 2024 ACE CUP! Congrats to the University Team for winning the ACE Cup! We are proud of all the hard work you all put into your project this year. Hard work pays off! ACE Mentor Program of America University City Partners #winner #acecupwinner #acecltbanquet2024 #endoftheyearbanquet #acementorclt #universityteam