My life’s purpose is to be a good mentor. I try to be an effective source of motivation and inspiration to minority and urban youth. I’ve volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters for more than 12 years. I’m a youth ministry leader at First African Baptist Church in Philadelphia. As an architect, I see the ACE Mentor Program as the ultimate outlet for me. It’s a chance to tell high school kids about the work that I do, and to catch these future professionals at a crucial time in their decision-making.
Most high school students don’t have a real picture of what architects, contractors or engineers do. Their perceptions are fueled by television and movie characters, which often don’t correlate to reality. Mr. Brady on “The Brady Bunch” might be the first architect who comes to mind — and he had six kids sharing a single bathroom.
The ACE Mentor Program bridges the gap between perceptions and reality, giving high school students the opportunity to learn about careers in architecture, construction and engineering. The national nonprofit organization engages and encourages high school students to consider careers in design and construction through mentoring and scholarships.
Teams of students meet biweekly with volunteer mentors representing different disciplines. A team might include an architect, a structural engineer, a civil engineer and a construction manager. Together, we work on collaborative design projects, visit construction sites, tour mentors’ offices and gain an authentic understanding of career opportunities.
The ACE Eastern Pennsylvania Affiliate supported 11 Philadelphia teams and five suburban teams last school year, serving more than 250 students from 36 different high schools. More than 128 mentors represented 72 ACE industry firms.
“I never met an architect before.”
“I had no idea there were so many different types of engineering.”
I hear these kinds of statements from students every year. Through ACE, they learn realities of the professions, from education requirements to salary expectations. For mentors, we get a newfound perspective on the design process.
This year, our team presented ideas for renovating a former armory. Office spaces will be renovated for military recruiting, while recreation amenities will be developed for community use. The students heard firsthand from the project architect and then came up with their own concepts. Their creative idea to suspend a running track above the basketball courts will likely be part of the final project. It’s a case where shifting perspective will impact a real project. Students see the value of their contributions and understand that design and construction take a team effort.
I’ve been a part of ACE Eastern Pennsylvania for more than 10 years. I began as a mentor and now serve as a team leader and on the chapter’s board of directors. As a team leader, I try to foster a small group of engaged students. I prefer quality over quantity, when kids are there because they want to be there. That’s when I feel like the program — and I — can make a real difference.
Making a difference came early in my ACE experience. In my first year, I mentored a bright student who went on to Pennsylvania State University, my alma mater, on a full scholarship. He earned his architecture degree and even joined the same fraternity as me. Today, that student is a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy, working on his master’s degree. We built a strong mentor relationship during the ACE program that evolved into a friendship once he transitioned to college. I believe our friendship will endure a lifetime. It all started because of ACE.
Steve Cromity is an architectural representative for DalTile Company covering the Philadelphia region and a past Philadelphia chapter president of the National Organization of Minority Architects. He maintains a commitment to youth mentoring as a board member, team leader and mentor for the ACE Mentor Program Eastern Pennsylvania Affiliate, a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters, and as a youth ministry leader at First African Baptist Church in Philadelphia.
