ACE and Simpson Strong-Tie announce $50,000 initiative for trade career education

ACE Mentor Program and Simpson Strong-Tie have announced a new partnership aimed at promoting construction trades careers to high school students nationwide. The partnership includes a $50,000 donation to ACE and the appointment of Annie Kao, Simpson Strong-Tie's Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Engagement, to the ACE national Board of Directors.

ACE connects students with industry experts. The partnership will allow students to participate in an annual Trades Day at Simpson Strong-Tie locations in October 2024. Activities will include tours, lab tests, hands-on building, and discussions with employees.

Additionally, Simpson Strong-Tie will support ACE through its Do What You Can Day event, where employees give back to local communities. ACE President Diana Eidenshink and Simpson Strong-Tie CEO Mike Olosky emphasized the partnership’s role in addressing the construction labor shortage and educating students about trade careers.