The High School piloted the ACE program during the 2021-2022 school year, with 2022-2023 becoming the first official year for the program. The Shaker team of Amir Midgett, Sam Dillenbck, Christian Dennis and Rowan Dunn presented at the annual ACE banquet, finishing in the top three. The three seniors on the team each received a scholarship for their efforts, with Amir receiving a national scholarship of more than $30,000. The scholarships were presented by Superintendent Dr. David Glasner. 

Every year, ACE teams work on a presentation based upon a Request for Proposal (RFP). This year’s project was to design a high school “ACE Program Addition.” The goal of this challenge was to design a vocational school for Architecture, Construction and Engineering, to be added onto the existing High School. The space would serve as a hub for the ACE program to meet and design, but it should also be an opportunity to provide services to the surrounding community, giving students the opportunity to practice their craft ahead of entering school, or their career. The Shaker plan included a mobile unit that would travel to all District schools, as well as community buildings.

Shaker’s participation in the ACE Mentor Program is made possible through the Shaker Schools Foundation. ACE has provided the club’s 23 students with an introduction to many career opportunities.  Students explore interactive, hands-on, problem-solving activities in a collaborative environment. The club meets as a team bi-weekly with their two advisors and mentors including architects, construction managers and structural, civil, electrical and mechanical engineers. The SHHS team mentors are representatives from Gilbane Building Company, Van Auken Akins Architects, Equity Engineering Group, The Austin Company, Intertek, CLM Design and Independence Construction.

The primary goals for the program include:

• Helping to build a large, diverse and better-prepared workforce.
• Prioritizing engaging students and communities traditionally underrepresented in the industry.
• Assisting and guiding students by providing scholarships, internships and mentoring as they pursue careers in the industry.

We look forward to supporting next year’s ACE Mentoring program.