DURHAM, NH — The ACE Mentor Program of New Hampshire along with ACE National recently held a Zoom meeting to surprise Oyster River Student, Caleb Chinburg, with an Allen D. Berg CMiC Memorial Scholarship. Chinburg received a $20,000 scholarship over four years toward his post-secondary education and training in civil engineering. From among 10,000 students nationwide, each of ACE’s over 70 affiliates could nominate two students. Nominees went through a two-stage review process assessing their merit and financial need.

“It is truly an honor to be recognized for my achievements and to represent ACE in my future in this industry," Chinburg said. "It’s very special to also have your promise of support as I go forward with my studies in engineering. I came away from our meeting feeling the reassurance and encouragement from all of you at ACE. Not only does this scholarship help me financially, but this community supports my dreams and progress in my career. I can’t thank you enough.”

Chinburg has officially committed to UNH CEPS for civil engineering and plans to do the accelerated masters program in structural engineering. Today more than 44 million Americans have outstanding student loan debt. Student debt in the U.S. now totals more than $1.5 trillion. Typically, trade schools cost substantially less than traditional colleges, and many students graduate with less debt than those who pursued their education through a college or university.

CMiC, a long-time national ACE sponsor, and the family of the company’s late Founder Allen Berg, underwrite the scholarship program honoring Berg’s legacy of support for education, mentoring, and career counselling in the design and construction industry. The CMiC - Allen Berg Memorial Scholarships are multi-year awards aimed at ACE high school seniors intending to pursue post-secondary education and training leading to careers in architecture, engineering, construction, or the skilled crafts.

ACE Mentor Program of New Hampshire launched its pilot program at Oyster River High School in Durham, New Hampshire, in 2019 and this year included a second year program at Oyster River that included students from Winnacunnet High School. Another program was started in the Manchester school district with Memorial High School and the Manchester School of Technology. The ACE Mentor Program's mission is to engage, excite, and enlighten high school students to pursue careers in architecture, construction, and engineering through mentoring and to support their continued advancement in the Industry. Last year the Oyster River High School students embarked on a two-month project where they learned hands-on, real life skills associated with ACE fields as they relate to the Moharimet Elementary School renovation project, and this year’s project was focused on a new or renovated auditorium project.

"Of all of the things that I have learned from the ACE Mentor Program, the most significant has been the importance of working together," Chinburg said. "Nothing in the construction industry can be accomplished without relying on others, and I feel that throughout my time in the program and now through this scholarship I have truly been welcomed into the ACE community. I look forward to paying this forward over the years to other students interested in the industry.”