Ten Years Later
This article follows The Journey Beyond High School as the third part of a three-part series on the ACE Mentorship Program.
The ACE Mentor Program has left an indelible mark on the lives of countless students and professionals in the architecture, construction, and engineering fields. Chandler Householder and Carter Moore, a mentee-mentor duo from the Plano-Frisco branch of the program, exemplify the profound and lasting effects of ACE. Nearly ten years after their initial involvement, both reflect on how ACE has shaped their careers and lives, providing valuable insights into the enduring power of mentorship.
The Long-Lasting Impact on Careers
For Chandler Householder, the ACE Mentor Program was more than an extracurricular activity in high school; it was the foundation of her career in architecture. Reflecting on her time at the University of Texas, she credits ACE with giving her a significant advantage. “The ACE program itself…gave me a leg up in my college career,” she shared. Chandler emphasized that the collaborative and inquisitive environment of ACE helped her develop crucial skills for success in her college courses and beyond. “Working in a group dynamic…encouraging the pursuit of knowledge, and knowing you have to ask the questions…that mentality carried into studio and with professors was really vital.”
Carter Moore also attributes much of his professional development to his involvement with ACE. Having spent 18 years of his career solely focused on his work, joining Stantec and getting involved with ACE provided him with a new outlet to give back to the community. “Through fellow coworkers, ACE Mentors, inspiration, and influence, I have found channels to give back to the community…getting involved in ACE has really given me a fantastic outlet”. For Carter, ACE rekindled a passion for teaching and mentoring, rooted in his family’s tradition of preachers, teachers, and carpenters.
Sustained Mentorship and Evolving Roles
The bond between Chandler and Carter has remained strong over the years. Even after Chandler graduated from high school, Carter continued to play a crucial role in her development. “Your group, Chandler, was probably my best group ever…you guys are still the shining star group,” Carter remarked, underscoring the lasting impact of their mentor-mentee relationship. Chandler, now a working professional in Washington D.C., often reflects on how the ACE program and Carter’s mentorship have guided her career.
Chandler’s time in college further solidified the benefits of her ACE experience. She recalled how her connections through ACE, particularly with Carter, helped her secure internships that were pivotal to her career. “I would not have gotten my first summer internship if it wasn’t for my connections through ACE…I did a summer internship at the Stantec office in Austin after my second year of architecture school.” These opportunities were foundational experiences that shaped her professional journey.
The Evolution of the ACE Mentor Program of Plano Frisco
Carter Moore’s role with the ACE Mentor Program of Plano Frisco has evolved significantly. From starting as a mentor, he has grown into a leadership position, helping shape the program. Reflecting on this journey, Carter shared, “The first 18 years of my career, I went to work, did my job, and went home. ACE has given me a fantastic program that enables me to give back to the community and my industry at the same time.” This evolution highlights the reciprocal nature of mentorship; as Carter helped students like Chandler grow, he too found new avenues for personal and professional growth.
In 2025, the ACE Mentor Program of Plano Frisco continues to thrive, serving over 100 students each year, a testament to the hard work and dedication of mentors like Carter. The program has grown, touching the lives of more than 900 students in its ten years and preparing them for careers in the ACE industries. Chandler, reflecting on her journey, stated, “Seeing adults and community members passionate about what they do…participating in those activities with like-minded people…[is] a great benefit to ACE.
The Joys of Mentorship and Participation
Both Chandler and Carter have fond memories of their time in the ACE Mentor Program. Carter particularly enjoys seeing the long-term impact on his mentees. “I talk about you to the other students…seeing your journey from ACE, through college, and now as an aspiring architect working in Washington, DC, it doesn’t get better than that.”
Chandler’s favorite aspect of ACE was the opportunity to explore her chosen field in a supportive, collaborative environment. “There are so many reasons to join…even from the most practical side of things, like you can see if you like architecture or another related industry…you still get a lot of benefit out of it”. Her participation in ACE provided her with a community of passionate individuals that will last through her entire career.
Encouraging Future Participation
Looking back on their experiences, both Chandler and Carter advocate strongly for involvement in the ACE Mentor Program. Chandler encourages students to join, emphasizing the exploratory nature of the program and the invaluable lessons learned, regardless of career choice. “Getting your feet wet in terms of design…seeing adults give up their time for something they love…those are lessons that you carry with you”.
Carter, on the other hand, calls on professionals to consider mentoring. “I hope others can grow in that enjoyment as well, investing in future generations of our industries”. His own journey through ACE has shown him the profound impact that mentoring can have, not only on the students, but also on the mentors themselves.
The ACE Mentor Program has profoundly shaped the careers and lives of both Chandler and Carter. As they look to the future, both advocate for continued involvement, ensuring that the legacy of ACE continues to inspire and guide the next generation of architects, engineers, and construction professionals.
For more information about ACE: https://www.acementor.org/