Each year, ACE Mentor Student teams are eligible to participate in the annual CIRT National Design and Construction Competition. The Competition is funded, coordinated, and judged by Construction Industry Round Table (CIRT) for ACE Mentor Affiliate team entries.
The Competition presents three real-world project challenges to judge the ability of the students to make reasoned, coherent, clear presentations on their team’s design and construction approaches that are realistic and responsive to the project’s objectives within time, budget, constructability constraints, etc. The competition challenges students to develop innovative solutions , blending architecture, engineering, and construction management into one exciting project. Over the coming months, teams will refine their concepts and prepare to present to industry leaders and compete for top honors.
The Competition program was developed in order to introduce additional ways for students to develop valuable skills, and help them gain even more recognition and connection with professionals in the industry. All Submissions are judged and the top three finalists are picked for each of the three challenges. The top teams are invited to Washington, DC to present their project live in front of the CIRT panel of judges.
This year’s competition holds special meaning as we remember Mark Casso, a visionary leader and dedicated champion of ACE. Mark’s passion for inspiring young people to explore careers in the design and construction industry left an indelible mark on our program and the thousands of students it has touched. His legacy lives on in every team, mentor, and project that takes the ACE mission forward.
We are inspired by the dedication of these students, impressed by their ideas, and confident that they represent the very best of ACE.
Stay tuned as we follow their journey to the finals!
- Competition Date: Monday April 27, 2026
- Location: Washington DC, The Willard Intercontinental Hotel
- Learn More: Learn More Here
Let’s cheer them on as they take their talents to the national level!
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