We invite our members to learn about the ACE Mentor Program of Idaho. In this article, Jeff Slinger and Ken Gallegos share their experiences, highlight the program’s impact and outline their vision for its growth. They also issue a call to action for AIA members to support ACE through mentorship, internships or financial contributions, helping to build a strong, skilled and diverse AEC workforce for Idaho’s future.

What is ACE?

Jeff: The ACE (Architecture, Construction and Engineering) Mentor Program of Idaho is a dynamic initiative dedicated to inspiring and preparing high school students for careers in the built environment. By connecting students with industry professionals, ACE provides hands-on learning experiences, professional development and exposure to real-world projects that help bridge the gap between education and industry.

From your perspective in the industry (architect or contractor), why is this important for our state?

Jeff: As industry professionals, we recognize the challenges of workforce shortages in architecture, engineering and construction. Idaho’s rapid growth necessitates a skilled and knowledgeable workforce, and the ACE Mentor Program plays a critical role in fostering interest and talent in these fields. By engaging with students early, we help ensure that Idaho has the skilled workforce necessary to sustain and innovate our communities for the future.

Ken: The ACE Mentor Program is important for Idaho because we all know there is a shortage of industry trades workers. This program helps expose young high school kids to some hands-on examples of what it may be like out in the field. The program also helps foster and expose kids to the multitude of professions that the design and construction industry offers. From architects, electrical engineers, contractors, construction managers, etc., the students are exposed to all aspects of a project. They are given a project and take it through the same design process that we as professionals follow.

What are the goals of the organization?

Jeff: The primary objective of the program is to cultivate the next generation of architects, engineers and contractors by offering mentorship, scholarships, summer camp and practical learning experiences. The program aims to:

• Inspire students to pursue careers in the built environment.
• Provide exposure to industry professionals and real-world simulated projects.
• Offer scholarships and internships to students demonstrating passion and commitment.
• Create a strong talent pipeline to sustain and grow Idaho’s AEC industry.

What has your role been?

Ken: I play two roles in ACE of Idaho. I am a board member but also an architect mentor. So that means that I help plan the student curriculum each year, help recruit and organize mentors for the sessions, and also attend the sessions and lead some of the architect-centered activities. I will introduce what it is like to be an architect and lead the design sessions where we introduce the concepts of bubble diagrams and laying out floorplans. I’ll also lead the site design session where we get the students thinking about designing in context to a project’s surroundings.

Summarize the time commitment that you have experienced.

Ken: The commitment for mentors is actually not that much. We have 16 sessions that are two hours long, one weekday a week for 16 weeks, with one final presentation of their project at the end. So overall, it is about 40 hours or less over a four‑month period.

If you have a positive story/experience that stands out, please share it. 

Ken: In the three short years the program has been here in Idaho, there are always great stories that emerge. I have seen mentors learn things that they never knew about the other professions that they work with every day. That only strengthens the respect we have for working with each other. There have been students who have discovered a life path they never thought about before or thought they wanted to become one type of engineer but switched to another type based on their experience in the program. We have also helped students realize that the profession they thought they were interested in ended up not what they thought, and they changed to another. It is best they found that out through ACE of Idaho rather than spending countless hours and dollars on college courses. We have had students get internships with local firms and also get hired by local trades right out of high school.

Summarize your takeaways and why you want to continue to participate.

Jeff: Participating in ACE has reinforced the importance of mentorship and professional development in shaping the future of our industry. Seeing students grow, develop their skills and pursue careers in architecture, construction and engineering is incredibly rewarding. Continuing to support ACE means continuing to build a stronger, more innovative Idaho.

Ken: To summarize, ACE of Idaho has helped me share my love and experience in architecture and construction with others who may choose the same path I did. But I also enjoy helping the students get exposure to many different things that they can become.

What are your dreams for the program in five years?

Jeff: In the next five years, I envision ACE expanding its reach across the state, increasing student participation and strengthening industry partnerships. Goals include:

• Establishing programs in more high schools across the Treasure Valley.
• Expanding to other regions of Idaho.
• Increasing scholarship and internship opportunities.
• Strengthening partnerships with universities and trade schools.
• Enhancing hands-on project opportunities to provide deeper learning experiences.

Ken: My hope is that within five years (or much less), we can bring ACE of Idaho to all parts of the state. As well as offering virtual classes to those areas that don’t have the mentors available but still have the student need. We have talked with other school districts about the program and all have said, “When can you bring the program to our area!”

What are the next steps for the program?

Jeff: To achieve these goals, ACE of Idaho will focus on:

• Expanding mentor recruitment to engage more industry professionals.
• Strengthening funding sources to support scholarships and program growth.
• Increasing outreach efforts to attract more student participants.
• Partnering with local and state organizations to promote career pathways in the built environment.

Do you have a call to action? How can other AIA members participate or support it?

Jeff: AIA members play a crucial role in supporting the ACE Mentor Program of Idaho. By investing in ACE, we invest in the future of our industry and the communities we build. Let’s work together to empower the next generation of architects, engineers and contractors in Idaho! Here’s how you can get involved:

• Volunteer as a mentor to guide and inspire the next generation.
• Offer internship opportunities to ACE students.
• Provide financial support to fund scholarships and program resources.
• Advocate for the program within your professional networks.

Ken: We are looking for mentors from all professions and trades in each part of the state. We need champions in eastern Idaho, northern Idaho and central Idaho to organize enough local mentors to start the program there. We’ve already done the legwork here in Boise/Meridian/Kuna. The curriculum and process are ready, and we just need passionate individuals to lead. We’d love to introduce the program formally to our Public Outreach Committee. AIA Idaho could offer to have the ACE Mentor Program of Idaho as a recipient of some of their scholarship proceeds from the annual AIA golf tournament.