Founded in 2006, ACE Atlanta helps high school students explore the many rewarding career options in the architectural, engineering and construction fields. Through the program, mentors from local industry professional firms meet with students once a week for two hours. During these sessions, students plan and design innovative projects mirroring "real-world" conditions while mentors help them develop solutions using basic problem-solving techniques and state-of-the-art design tools. They also take field trips to area firms, major construction sites and notable buildings to experience and see firsthand what is required to design and erect these kinds of structures. In addition to acquiring new knowledge and skills, students are eligible for ACE scholarships and gain contacts that can help with college admissions, job shadowing, internships and full-time employment. In parallel, ACE enhances the mentoring firm’s profile and the individual mentor's presentation and communication skills as well as preparing the future workforce.