Attracting Youth to the Construction Industry through Meaningful Program ACE Mentors

With a mission to introduce high school students to careers in the architecture, construction and engineering fields, the ACE Mentor Program has long been a cornerstone of workforce development, providing invaluable hands-on experiences to shape the next generation of professionals. Mortenson has played a pivotal role in supporting and expanding this initiative, continuing the legacy of leadership established by industry veterans like Dan Johnson, former Mortenson CEO.

In 2024, Mortenson provided 60 ACE Mentors for high school students and 21 mentors for college students, along with $36,000 in scholarships.

A Legacy of Mentorship

Johnson was instrumental in shaping the ACE Mentor Program’s impact. Having served as the chair of the board and a key advocate for the program, his vision was clear: expose students to the world of ACE as early as possible and provide them with meaningful, real-world experiences. “Dan was always proud of the different markets that we're in, and the number of volunteers that we have who give their time to support these students,” said Richard Harris, director of talent acquisition at Mortenson. Now, with Maja Rosenquist stepping into a leadership role on the board, Mortenson’s commitment remains stronger than ever.

From Externships to Employment

The ACE Mentor Program offers students unique opportunities through externships, a rotational process that allows them to gain experience with different companies. “Some of the students are juniors in high school, and then between their junior and senior year, they're doing projects with different companies,” Harris explains.

Mortenson has consistently been a leader in this initiative, ensuring that students not only gain exposure but also have a clear path forward. The ultimate goal is to create a seamless transition from high school to college and, eventually, into full-time careers. “The question is, how might we take someone who's an extern from their senior year to their freshman year of college, get those same students through our college internship pipeline, and eventually hire them into the company?” Harris noted. “You give them such a great experience that it's a win for the entire industry.”

Strengthening the Workforce Pipeline

As Mortenson continues to support ACE, the company sees it as more than just a mentorship program—it’s a strategic pipeline for workforce development. “We see this ACE mentorship program more as a stepping stone in a pipeline for awareness,” Harris emphasized. The goal is not only to introduce students to the industry but also to foster long-term engagement that leads to fulfilling careers.

The future of ACE at Mortenson looks bright. With strong leadership, a dedicated team of mentors, and an industry in need of fresh talent, the company remains committed to expanding opportunities for students across multiple markets. “Our plan is to continue,” Harris affirmed. “Our leadership is committed and the impact we’re seeing in the community and for these students is nothing short of inspiring.”

As the industry evolves, so too must the efforts to cultivate and support the next generation. The ACE Mentor Program is a testament to Mortenson’s dedication to workforce development—ensuring that students not only hear about careers in construction but truly experience them. As Harris put it, “How might we expose more students who've never thought about a career in construction to not just hear about construction, but to truly experience it? And then to tell their friends and family about how cool their experience was?”

With continued investment, mentorship, and hands-on learning, the ACE Mentor Program is shaping the workforce of tomorrow—one student at a time.

To learn more about the ACE Mentor Program visit their website, here: https://www.acementor.org/