Page 4 - TTMNSummer2024

STEM/Construction
Page 4 Electronic Edition: www.teachingtodaymn.com

Beyond the Classroom: ACE Mentor Programs Open the Walls to Career Exploration

By Jake Boerboon, Chair physics, art, computer skills and other relevant
ACE Twin Cities Executive Board studies, establishing a direct link between cur-
There’s a lot of buzz these days about ricular and career success.
Career Training Education (CTE) centers, Results
providing vocational training that allows
students to explore well-paying professions Unlike CTE programs, which may be
while working to address critical shortages positioned as a technical training alternative
in vital trades skills across the country, from to post-secondary educational opportunities
auto mechanics to manufacturing to culinary (PSEO), ACE Mentor drives PSEO attendance.
arts. However, some industries just don’t f t About 90% of ACE alums go on to college or
inside a classroom, even a non-traditional one. skilled trades training programs. ACE Mentor
For more than a generation, the ACE Mentor Program alums say the experience motivated
Program has teamed with schools across the awarded more than $32 million in scholarships 2023/24 school year, 33 mentors worked with them to attend college, improved their chances
country to provide hands-on learning experi- to help its students with post-secondary educa- 62 students from 7 school districts around of admittance, and helped them learn rel-
ences exposing high school students to careers tion and skilled crafts training. the Twin Cities metro area, culminating in a evant skills and knowledge leading to greater
in the (literally) wide-open f elds of Architec- Building Diversity in the ACE competition March 6. The Twin Cities ACE success in college.
ture, Construction and Engineering. Chapter has awarded over $168,000 in schol- “ACE Mentors respect us so much as
Industries arships since 2011 to 101 students. students, making it possible for us to be com-
A Conduit to Careers The program is also an important conduit In addition, former Twin Cities chapter fortable pitching a risk design or debating
Now in its 30th year, the ACE Mentor for introducing a more diverse next gen to the Mentor Leah Roue was inspired to launch the the right pathway forward,” writes one ACE
Program was created by the integrated con- ACE industries: Data indicates that nation- Southern Minnesota chapter in 2019 and today Mentor student. “. . . As a cautious person, I’ve
struction industry to attract students into wide, 70% of ACE Mentor Program students is Board Chair of that chapter. gained an incredible lesson from ACE: don’t
pursuing industry-related careers. Today identify as people of color. Over 40% are No Cost, High Impact be afraid to be bold.”
its 74 aff liate chapters nationwide engage female. Those numbers exceed industry stan- To learn more about being part of the
10,000 high school students in a free after dards by an impressive margin. The program is made possible by spon- Twin Cities ACE Mentor Program or the
school program that meets weekly from * Construction Industry: 33% people of color, sorship funding and the dedication of volunteer Southern Minnesota ACE Mentor chapter,
January — May during the school year. Over 11% women; Architecture & Engineering: 24% mentors providing engaging hands-on proj- email TwinCitiesMN@acementor.org or the
4,000 volunteer industry professionals mentor people of color, 26% women (2022 – US Bureau ects and f eld trips. The program is designed Southern Minnesota ACE Mentor Chapter,
students and lead them through a hands-on of Labor Statistics Current Population Survey) to create collaborations not just among the email info@aceofsm.org
simulation of designing and constructing a The Twin Cities chapter of ACE is now student teams, but among teachers and the https://www.acementor.org/affiliates/
project, culminating in team competitions in its 13th year and going strong. During the industry professionals who serve as mentors. twin-cities-mn
and scholarship awards. Since 1994 ACE has Activities reinforce learning in math, science,

Stillwater Students Construct Connections SMS Students Shine at National STEM

with hands-on experi- Competition
ence is what it is all
about,” said Howe. “We
enjoy partnering with Stillwater Area Public
local businesses and Schools
organizations where we Sixth graders
can allow students to from Stillwater Middle
have a client-based work School (SMS) pre-
experience. Doing proj- sented at the Samsung
ects like this is by far the Solve for Tomorrow
most rewarding part of competition in Wash-
our jobs as teachers.” ington, D.C. They were
While gaining one of just 10 schools
valuable hands-on expe- across the country to be
rience, these students named national f nalists,
Stillwater Area Public Schools added a tangible addition to the Stillwater earning them $50,000
In partnership with Discover Stillwater, community. The structure is also designed in Samsung technology
there is a new photo opportunity for visitors with inclusivity in mind, ensuring that indi- and supplies for their
to downtown thanks to students from the Still- viduals of all abilities can comfortably access classroom. Three students - Maria Donnay, Eleanor
water Area High School Industrial Technology the structure by way of a small ramp. The competition challenged public Keyser and Arthur Lee - presented the project
program. The wood and rustic elements were school students in grades 6-12 to create posi- at a live pitch event at the Samsung Solutions
Highlighting the backdrop of the St. Croix chosen to ref ect the community’s lumber tive change in their communities by using Center in Washington, D.C., answering ques-
River and the Historic Lift Bridge, students history, and allow the stunning backdrop science, technology, engineering, and math tions before a panel of expert judges.
designed and built a photo frame to capture mem- remain the focus. The structure not only serves (STEM) skills to solve pressing local issues. The project was named Community
orable moments. A collaborative effort between as a visually appealing photo spot, but also SMS students, led by teacher Corrie Choice Winner based on a month-long online
students in the Industrial Technology program, ensures a secure environment for individuals Christensen, created a bioluminescent light public vote, earning them an additional
teacher Matt Howe, Brad Pike, and Discover to capture memories in a safe setting. to help f ght light pollution that threatens bird $10,000 in prizes.
Stillwater, the project highlights the talent, cre- migration. The downward-facing solar lights
ativity, and community spirit f ourishing within they dubbed Lumen Bloom - are shaped like a
students at Stillwater Area High School. stillwaterschools.org f ower, with petals that incorporate robotics to stillwaterschools.org
“Helping students f nd their passions open and close based on the time of day.