The ACE Mentor Program of Greater Philadelphia, the local affiliate of the nation’s fastest-growing industry mentoring program, hosted 300+ members and friends of the design and construction community Thursday, 7 February 2019 at Drexel University for a repeat of its successful Giant Jenga Tournament. The third annual event netted over $20,000 for the ACE Greater Philadelphia mentoring program and scholarships for current high school students and ACE alumni currently enrolled in higher education and focusing on an A-C-E (architecture, construction, or engineering) related career path.

“The event brought together students, mentors, and friends from partner companies throughout the region,” said ACE Affiliate Director Tiffany Millner, AIA, NOMA. “Through competition and camaraderie, we demonstrated the strength of Philadelphia’s design and construction industry while raising money to support the next generation of architects, engineers, and construction professionals.”

Forty-eight teams of four competed in a round-robin tournament playing a supersized version of the tabletop wooden block game, Jenga. Giant Jenga incorporated 2x4 blocks, with some towers reaching nearly six feet high. The winning team, representing O’Donnell & Naccarato of Philadelphia, Pa., earned naming rights for an alumni scholarship to be given at the 18th Annual ACE Scholarship Breakfast in May. Schnabel Engineering came in second with Alderson Engineering and Temple University / Tyler School of Art and Architecture tying for third place. Precis Engineering was named the Speed Round Champion.

“It has been gratifying to watch this event grow into a major source of scholarship funds for deserving ACE students,” said Christine Fiori, Head of the Construction, Engineering and Project Management, and Systems Engineering Department at Drexel University and a member of the ACE board of directors and its fundraising committee. “The scholarship money and exposure to STEM careers makes such a difference to deserving students.”

Giant Jenga took place at Drexel University’s Creese Student Center. Live music was provided by Deja Blu – BVT Live.

In 2017 and 2018 combined, the ACE Giant Jenga Tournaments raised $24,500 for scholarships and drew attention to the impact of the ACE Mentor Program. STEM careers, including those in design and construction, are in high demand in today’s global economy. ACE Greater Philadelphia exposes traditionally underrepresented groups – minorities and young women – to educational and career opportunities available in ACE careers through mentoring, support, and scholarships. In fact, ACE was recently named the Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool/Youth Development Network (PSAYDN) Afterschool Champion in the Sustainability Category.

For a full list of participating teams, sponsors, and winners, and a gallery of downloadable event images, visit: https://www.acementorphilly.online/community-events/giant-jenga-2019/