The ACE Mentor Program provides early career exposure, mentoring, and scholarships to high school students in an attempt to encourage them to enter one of the three fields that make up the ACE acronym: (1) architecture; (2) construction; and (3) engineering. Founded in 1993 by longtime engineering consultant Charles Thornton, the program is increasingly being seen as one potentially effective model for reaching the Obama administration's goal of getting more youths into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, or stem-related, careers. The ACE program operates as an after-school activity. Members at each site meet twice a week for classes led by teachers and industry professionals who volunteer their time. Guest speakers and site tours are regular features of the class. The capstone of the experience comes in spring when students from chapters nationwide present proposals to design or redesign various structures at the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in Washington. Previous design proposals have included everything from energy-efficient houses to underwater casinos. One project, the restoration of a greenhouse and surrounding grounds at Coolidge High School in the District of Columbia, found its way from paper to reality. Program alumni say its emphasis on practical considerations in related careers has provided invaluable insight for their higher education and career decisions.