To kick-off our new partnership with ACE Mentor, BEST Center hosted the Oakland team on the Laney College campus this spring. ACE is a national afterschool program introducing high school students to architecture, construction, engineering and the skilled trades. The ultimate goal of the collaboration is to connect students across the U.S. with community college programs in design and construction as well as building performance, heating and air conditioning, and energy management.
Oakland students enjoyed their first college experience by meeting faculty and visiting different departments while working on their Tiny House design projects to address local homelessness. The semester ended with final team presentations, judging, and awards including scholarships from ACE that will help support two students at Laney and other Peralta colleges this coming fall.
Many thanks go to the ACE organizers, professional architects and engineers who generously provided their expertise and time for a successful semester. We look forward to next year’s collaborations both close to home and in other cities. For more info about ACE, see acementor.org.