Darnell mentors high school students

Leo Darnell, assistant dean of Academic Services and Extended Studies, College of Architecture and Planning (CAP) at CU Denver, has been named to the board of directors for the ACE Mentor Program of Colorado.

Founded in 1994, ACE (Architecture Construction Engineering) is a national program that facilitates mentoring for high school students to inspire them to pursue careers in the fast-growing field of construction and design. ACE program volunteers throughout the U.S. work with more than 8,000 students annually. The members of the ACE Board of Directors are local industry leaders.

CU Denver CAP students also are involved. “We have five to 10 CAP master’s students participate each year who assist with the mentoring program in Front Range high schools,” Darnell said. The college students earn credit hours toward their degrees by participating as mentors.

Over 17 weeks, high school participants meet weekly with the college students to learn about building industry professions. Together, they plan and design mock projects for actual sites.