Information for Mentors

Mentors are vital to implementing the programmatic mission of ACE GNY. While serving as professional role models and helping students learn about the integrated construction industry through informal presentations, office visits, and site tours, mentors guide their students through hands-on activities and the development of a team design project.  Individuals who participate in ACE GNY gain an altruistic sense of “giving back”, the gratification that comes with sharing knowledge and wisdom with eager students. In addition, mentoring presents a variety of networking opportunities, as well as chances to sharpen individual presentation, leadership, and other professional skills.

Teams are comprised of 20-30 high school students, ranging in grade level and background familiarity of the field. Teams are led by 10-12 mentors from different firms and disciplines. Each team must have representation of Architects, Civil/Structural Engineers, Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing Engineers, and Construction Managers. Teams are led by 2-4 Team Leaders, who develop a curriculum for the season and work with mentors to create a supportive learning environment for students. Teams meet from October through May and January through May, meeting once weekly or bi-weekly for 1-2 hours at firms across the Greater NYC area. ACE GNY operates on the New York City Department of Education school calendar.

Registration Overview

Mentors are welcome to join ACE GNY as part of their firm or individually. If you would like to meet with ACE GNY about getting your firm or industry association involved in our program, complete this short form and someone from our team will reach out.

• Register on the ACE GNY website here
• If you are already commited to an ACE GNY team, we will add you to that team and initiate your background check, if needed.
• If you are NOT commited to a team, we will contact you with the available teams to be placed on. After confirming your acceptance to the team, we will initiate your background check. The Team Leader will include you in team communications moving forward.

Mentor Requirements and Expectations

• Complete a registration profile on the ACE GNY website each program year and complete the online mentor training
• Clear a full criminal background check every three years 
• Currently be working in the A-E-C industry
• Commit to a team for the program year, attending at least 60% of the team’s meetings
• Support mentor team in implementing lesson plans to explain industry topics to high school students
• Engage students in hands-on activities as part of the mentor team
• Work collaboratively with other mentors to demonstrate how the different industry disciplines interact on a project
• Advise students about decision making, college major choices, and career development
• Provide knowledge to students on what to expect in college and career
• Be willing to write letters of recommendations for college and/or scholarship applications

Resources Available for Mentors

• Pre-recorded introductory resources that cover the core ACE GNY disciplines
• Monthly ACE GNY Newsletters
• Webinars and online mentor trainings
• Professional development events for all mentors
• Annual summer ACE GNY mentor appreciation event (Mentor Summer Social)
• Mentor community of over 600 individuals to network with
• ACE GNY Staff support throughout the season

Further Opportunties

ACE GNY offers many avenues through which individuals and firms can support the organization’s mission beyond mentoring on a team. Click here to opt-in to one of these opportunities. Someone from our team will reach out to you after completing the form. 

• Speakers Bureau – An internal collection of industry professionals who are available as guest speakers for any ACE GNY team who is seeking support in one of the core ACE disciplines or a specialized profession (acoustical engineering, sustainability, etc.). Individuals in the Speakers Bureau will float among teams that need support and will not be specifically assigned on rosters.
• Alumni Mentorship– An internal collection of industry professionals who can offer support to college students through check-ins, resume review, mock interviews, and general support as they advance through college and enter the industry. 

Have more questions? Contact us here.