TJK Supports ACE Mentor Program in Idaho

Fostering leadership, initiative, and interest in the AEC Industry.

This year marked TJK’s third year supporting the ACE Mentor Program in Idaho and our first year helping expand the program into Nampa, Idaho.

After two years of involvement in the Boise group, our team joined efforts to grow participation in a new Nampa cohort. Through outreach at Vallivue High School, the program brought in around 17 students, all interested in learning more about careers in architecture, construction, and engineering.

Beginning in January 2026, the group met weekly at Elevate Academy, where mentors from across the industry, including BHB Structural Engineers, FFKR Architects, McAlvain Companies, and TJK, guided students through the phases of a real-world project. Working in teams, students selected a project type and developed their designs over the course of the program, learning how each discipline contributes to the final result.

From the start, the level of engagement stood out. Students quickly took ownership of their projects, bringing forward ideas, asking questions, and working through challenges together. As the weeks progressed, their confidence and understanding grew, along with the quality of their work.

TJK’s Josh Brown was closely involved throughout the program, including leading the MEP sessions. Students were introduced to building systems through both presentation and a walkthrough of the facility, then applied those concepts directly to their own designs.

“It’s one thing to explain what we do, but seeing the students take those ideas and start applying them to their own projects is what really stands out,” said Josh Brown. “You can see the moment it starts to click for them.”

The program concluded with final presentations at Boise State University, where each team shared their work. The level of preparation and confidence shown by the students left a strong impression across the board.

“Watching them present at the end was the best part,” Josh added. “You could see how much they had grown over the course of the program. It really does feel like a proud moment seeing what they put together.”

The success of the Nampa group was made possible in large part by Elevate Academy and instructor Matt Lucas, whose support and involvement helped drive student participation and engagement throughout the program. His efforts were recognized with an award at the final event.

One student from the group was also awarded a national trade stipend, recognizing her leadership, initiative, and interest in pursuing a career in construction.

We’re proud to continue supporting the ACE Mentor Program and to be part of something that gives students a clearer path into the industry. Programs like this make a lasting impact, not just on the students, but on the future of the profession as a whole.