School Zone
A. Philip Randolph Students
Learn Networking is Key
Students at A. Philip
Randolph Academies of Technology are learning the value
of professional networking through participation in a
nationally-sponsored mentorship program. The ACE
(Architectural, Construction and Engineering) Mentor
Program was founded by principals at leading design and
construction firms to introduce high school students to
career opportunities in the industry. Volunteers serve
as mentors and work directly with students to introduce
them to the broad range of people and projects within
the construction industry.
In late January, A. Philip
Randolph students participated in a field trip where
they visited KBJ Architects. While at the architectural
firm, they witnessed the step-by-step design process
involved in building a commercial structure, toured the
company’s restored, five-story Victorian headquarters,
and viewed a three-dimensional computer presentation of
a current project.
Students also traveled to
Jacksonville University to tour a current Haskell
Company construction site where the company is building
a four-story dormitory. “Students had a great time
seeing the footings being put in with steel beams. We
saw how all the utilities are placed before the interior
walls,” said Architectural Drafting Teacher Ted Slappey.
The students in Randolph’s Architectural and
Construction Trades Academy were able to relate
classroom lessons at each of the locations.
A. Philip Randolph was awarded $20,000 in
scholarships to help defray costs for ACE Mentor Program
participants. Thanks to business partners like The
Haskell Company, who donated $10,000, students are able
to participate in the ACE Mentor Program and apply the
lessons they learn in the classroom to real world
construction and design projects.
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