On Friday May 1, 2026, 22 High Tech ACE (Architecture, Construction and Engineering) Students took the opportunity to SHINE at NJIT during the 2026 Architecture, Construction, and Engineering (ACE) Mentoring Final Presentation.This event was the culmination of the CIRT competition prompts, where students developed solutions in the following topics: Net Zero Data Center, Reimagining a Cultural Center and Modular Housing. In each of their projects, they were tasked to incorporate engineering strategies, real-world applications, budgeting, and other design considerations.
Students from Architecture, Construction, and Engineering programs across Northern New Jersey presented their final ACE projects at the NJIT lecture hall. Our students did an outstanding job presenting in front of industry professionals, parents, alumni, and peers.This experience gave them the opportunity to present their hard work and creative solutions. Harry Yabut, 11th grade ACE participant told us,
“I’ve been part of ACE for three years now, and it’s been a really meaningful experience for me. I remember when I first started and had a senior mentor guiding me, and now I’m in that same role, which feels full circle. Through it all, I’m really proud of my group and what we accomplished together during our modular housing presentation at NJIT. We faced challenges along the way, but those moments helped us grow closer and work better as a team. More than anything, ACE has connected me with so many people and taught me to stay ahead and take initiative.”
We would also like to express our deep gratitude and appreciation to the industry professionals who closely mentored our students for the 2026-27 school year:
- Jeff Schlecht, RA
- Irina Shalaeva, RA
- Eddie Alonso, PE
- Bikash Sigdel, PE
- Vivek Bhadiyadra
- Stephen Luppino, PE
And, of course, a special thank you to Ms. Batista for organizing and running the ACE program and guiding, mentoring and inspiring our students.
