ACE Mentorship Builds Futures One Project at a Time
The Academies of Louisville are committed to connecting classroom learning with real-world experiences, empowering students to envision-and build-their futures. The ACE Mentor Program embodies this mission, bringing together industry professionals from architecture, construction, and engineering to guide and inspire the next generation of innovators.
ACE Mentor at Atherton
The Importance of Mentorship for Student Success
Mentorship provides students with access to professional networks, technical knowledge, and authentic career guidance. Through ACE, students work directly with architects, engineers, and construction managers, learning not only about industry practices but also about collaboration, problem-solving, and resilience. These experiences help students see themselves in careers they might not have considered and offer a clear pathway forward.
Lydia, an Atherton student, shared, “This club is giving me more real-world experience and filling in the gaps.” For many, working on real projects alongside mentors is transformative, providing a sense of belonging, purpose, and possibility.
A Shared Vision
The ACE Mentor Program’s mission–to engage, excite, and enlighten high school students about careers in architecture, construction, and engineering–aligns seamlessly with the Academies of Louisville’s focus on project-based learning and community partnership. By connecting students with industry mentors, ACE extends learning beyond the classroom, offering hands-on experiences that build both technical and professional skills.
A Louisville Legacy
ACE Mentorship has a rich history in Louisville. The program began at Iroquois High School, laying the groundwork for a citywide initiative that has now flourished for sixteen years within Jefferson County Public Schools. While Iroquois no longer participates, the torch has been picked up by Jeffersontown, Eastern, and Atherton High Schools, each bringing their own energy and creativity to the program.
Local leaders like Jeff Hofmann, an Atherton graduate, and a dedicated group of mentors from firms such as CMTA, Stantec, and MSD volunteer their time and expertise, ensuring that students are exposed to the latest industry practices and technologies.
How ACE Works
ACE is an after-school program running for sixteen weeks each year, with sessions lasting one to two hours. Students work in teams, guided by mentors representing the full spectrum of the built environment. Each year culminates in a gala dinner, where students present their projects to families, mentors, and community leaders, celebrating both their achievements and the relationships they’ve built.
This year, Atherton, Eastern, and Jeffersontown High Schools welcomed a combined forty students, each team tackling a unique, community-focused project. The program is intentionally inclusive, with a strong emphasis on supporting female and minority students in STEM fields. Kaitlynn, a junior at Atherton, noted, “It’s just wonderful to see so many girls in this field!” She has recruited her female friends to make the club a welcoming place for female STEM students. Lydia added, “ACE club is just a wonderful opportunity to connect with similar industries and professionals in the field.”
This Year’s Projects: Real-World Impact
Atherton High School:
Students are collaborating with CMTA and Stantec on the design of a new two-story building at Flight Club 502 at Bowman Field. Their work includes mechanical engineering calculations, energy efficiency planning, and hands-on site visits. The project is shaping a facility that will serve both JCPS and the broader aviation community.
Jeffersontown High School:
The Charger Center (TCC) is a proposed indoor, cross-sport training facility designed to address the school’s need for modern, weatherproof athletic spaces. Students are developing detailed plans for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, as well as creating 3D renderings and proposing solutions for storage, therapy, and training needs.
Eastern High School:
Inspired by a tour of a new police station, Eastern’s team is designing a new facility for Middletown, focusing on site selection, interior design, and community needs. With guidance from mentors like Heather Harris, students are learning how public safety buildings are planned, designed, and built from the ground up.
The Student Experience
For students, ACE is a launchpad. Weekly sessions blend technical instruction–from AutoCAD and Revit to mechanical load calculations–with career exploration, site visits, and mentorship. Students gain not only industry knowledge but also critical soft skills: teamwork, communication, and professionalism. The program’s structure encourages leadership, with students taking on roles such as project scheduler and presenter.
ACE also offers scholarships for seniors, providing tangible support as students transition to college and careers. Many alumni credit ACE with helping them secure internships, college admissions, and even full-time employment.
A Community Effort, A Brighter Future
The ACE Mentor Program thrives because of the commitment of local industry partners, educators, and mentors who believe in the potential of Louisville’s youth. Their investment pays dividends-not just in student success, but in the vitality and diversity of the region’s future workforce. As Lydia said, “ACE club is just a wonderful opportunity to connect with similar industries and professionals in the field.”
By connecting students to real-world projects, a supportive community, and dedicated mentors, ACE is shaping the leaders, builders, and innovators of tomorrow. In Louisville, that opportunity is making all the difference.
