Building Futures: New Video Showcases the Power of the CIRT Competition & ACE Mentor Program

For two decades, the CIRT National Design + Construction Competition has challenged high school students to think big, solve complex problems, and experience the realities of the built environment industry long before they enter college or the workforce.

CIRT is proud to share a new video featuring the voices of students and mentors while highlighting the lasting impact of the Competition experience on the students, educators, industry professionals, and volunteers who bring it to life each year.

More than a competition, the program serves as a unique bridge between education and industry—giving students the opportunity to tackle authentic design and construction challenges, as they work alongside mentoring professionals through the ACE Mentor Program, develop a robust presentation and problem-solving skills, and explore rewarding careers in the built environment.

Students describe the Competition as a transformative experience that expanded their understanding of the industry, built their confidence, and helped them envision future careers they may never have otherwise considered. Their voices reinforce what CIRT members and ACE Mentor Program affiliates have long known: there is no substitute for experiential learning. By combining real-world challenges with mentorship from industry leaders, the Competition offers students an unparalleled opportunity to discover their potential while gaining exposure to the collaborative nature of design and construction.

As CIRT celebrates the continued growth of the Competition and the success of the thousands of students who have participated over the past twenty years, this video serves as both a reflection on the program's impact and an invitation to the next generation of industry leaders.

We invite you to watch, share, and help spread the word about one of the industry's premier opportunities for students interested in architecture, engineering, construction, and the skilled trades.

Watch the video below and hear directly from the students whose lives have been shaped by the experience:

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The CIRT National Design + Construction Competition is presented annually by the Construction Industry Round Table (CIRT) in partnership with the ACE Mentor Program. Since 2006, the Competition has challenged students to develop innovative solutions to real-world design and construction problems while connecting them with industry professionals and career opportunities across the built environment. Learn more at cirt.org/competition