ACE SE MI
PROGRAMS
Our programs nurture talent, build dreams and guide career paths through hands-on projects, industry insights and mentorship experiences that prepare students for successful careers.
LOCAL DESIGN CHALLENGE
Students in the ACE SE MI program work closely with their mentors on projects that provide hands-on experience in solving the types of design, engineering and construction challenges industry professionals confront every day.
ACE students learn how to use advanced computerized tools, such as AutoCAD, while special exercises and activities illustrate the industry’s demand for young people skilled in math, physics, economics, art and other disciplines. ACE students conclude the program with a special gala event attended by their families, industry leaders and professionals.
WHAT OUR STUDENTS DELIVER
Working with their mentors, ACE students create concept designs with accompanying sketches and drawings (blue prints) that describe the requirements of the project in terms of the property (site), the building plan (floor plans), an exterior elevation and a cross section of the site and structure.
Additionally, the students create a presentation that conveys their understanding of the project, the schedule to design and build, and the costs associated to build and operate the facility. Teams identify energy efficiencies and their design innovations while they detail how their design realistically and fully meets the project’s goals.
Professionals judge each team presentation and teams are recognized at the concluding gala event.
2026 PROJECT
The goal of this project will be to help design the new Detroit City Football Club soccer stadium in Southwest Detroit.
2025 PROJECT
The goal of this project was to help the City of Pontiac plan and design a new recreational facility for the community.
2024 PROJECT
The goal of this project was to envision a new use of the former Hudson’s site in downtown Detroit. Potential uses could be residential, retail/entertainment, transit-based, or a mixture of all three. The Client goal was to develop a site that met the needs of downtown Detroit and fulfills resources that are lacking in the area.
2023 PROJECT
The goal of this project was to envision the renovation of the Kundinger House, the modern style home designed by acclaimed African American architect Nathan Johnson.
The Detroit Land Bank Authority (DLBA) wished to place the home back into productive use while highlighting the building’s architectural history. The renovation was required to remain a single-family home; however, students could assume the property could be adapted for a different use until its eventual sale one year after completion of the renovation. During this one-year period, students could incorporate other uses such as recreation and education uses. However, the DLBA’s goal was to sell the home at market rate, re-integrating the home and its future owners into the fabric of the Russell Woods community.
2022 PROJECT
The goal of this project was to envision a new use of the former Hudson’s site in downtown Detroit. Potential uses could be residential, retail/entertainment, transit-based,or a mixture of all three. The Client goal was to develop a site that met the needs of downtown Detroit and fulfills resources that are lacking in the area.
Who Can Join
High school students interested in learning more about the construction design industry and related career paths.
