Reagan High School, one of fifteen San Antonio-area schools participating in the national ACE Mentor Program, is giving its students a direct look at careers in architecture, construction and engineering. The nonprofit program pairs teenagers with seasoned professionals who guide them through every stage of a design project, from initial layout to construction planning and final presentation.
Hands‑on learning with industry mentors
About fifteen seniors have been assigned a design project this semester. Throughout the process, mentors explain industry terminology, share workplace insights and help the students make the kinds of decisions professionals face daily. Senior Raquel Arias said the experience broadened her understanding of how different engineering fields intersect.
“It definitely exposed me to other types of engineering and, just, other related industries,” Arias said. “But it also solidified that electrical really works with a lot of different things.”
Program leadership and community impact
Mary Stewart, a civil engineer and chair of the ACE Mentor Program, emphasized how early exposure can shape a student’s future. “I wish I had this program when I was in high school,” she said. Stewart added that engineering is a broad field, and the program helps students narrow their focus while still in high school, increasing the likelihood they will pursue a four‑year college degree rather than spending extra time figuring out a career path.
The program currently supports roughly 350 students in the San Antonio region, with about 80 mentors offering insight into architecture, construction and engineering careers. In addition to classroom work, students take field trips to active construction sites, allowing them to see how textbook concepts translate to real‑world projects.
Future opportunities and scholarships
Participants are also eligible for scholarships that can help fund further education and bring them closer to careers in engineering and related fields. Former participants often return after college to mentor the next generation, creating a sustainable cycle of guidance and opportunity.
Arias looks forward to applying what she has learned in future internships and hopes to use her knowledge to help others. “I look forward to working in internships and using my knowledge to help others,” she said.
The ACE Mentor Program’s focus on practical, hands‑on learning aligns with the values of family, faith and individual liberty that many San Antonio families hold dear, offering students a pathway to stable, well‑paying careers while reinforcing the importance of hard work and community service.
Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
