POTTSTOWN PA – A select group of Pottsgrove High School students is getting an up-close-and-personal chance to learn about a new development in Philadelphia area entertainment: the demolition of the venerable Spectrum sports complex, and the subsequent construction on the same site of Philly Live, a new theater and restaurant center.

Better still, according to district spokeswoman Beth Trapani, the students will get to review actual plans for the complex and make recommendations to the engineers working on it. The group may tour the site as well.

An artist's rendition of the Philly Live entretainment complex to be built on the site of the now demolished Spectrum in Philadelphia.

The Pottsgrove students are working directly with professional mentors once a week, after school, in a program that allows them to focus on architecture, construction and engineering (ACE). The high school has partnered with a local chapter of ACE Mentors, a nonprofit organization that encourages students to pursue these careers.

Two years ago, high school Counselor Don Petrella learned of ACE and sent one student, Carly Hendricks, to Norristown for the program once every other week after school.  Carly did so well that she earned a $4,000 scholarship for college, and is currently attending Drexel University for Engineering.

Last year, ACE opened a team site in Pottstown, and Pottsgrove sent five students. This year, Pottsgrove High School is hosting its own team.

“ACE Mentoring is a great way for kids to spend time with actual professionals and learn what these fields are really like,” Petrella said. “So many kids think they have an interest in a certain field, so they spend thousands of dollars in college only to find out that it was not what they thought it would be like.

“But by then, it is too late and college is not refunding that money,” he added. “So the more creative ways we can get kids linked up with mentors in high school, the more likely they will choose a career path that is right for them.”

Teams are composed of 10-20 students and their industry mentors, all of whom are have clearances to work with youths. Each team is set up to emulate an actual design team, with students guided through a mock design project by their architect, engineer, and construction management mentors.

Several companies are assigned to each team, each providing one or two mentors. Mentors guide students as they work towards a final project, introducing them to the careers, industry vocabulary, and various roles their firms play in the construction industry.

“I joined ACE Mentoring last year to explore my interest in engineering,” said Pottsgrove  senior Jenny Kohler. “It’s a great opportunity to meet and work with mentors in different fields, and learn what it takes to be involved in architecture, engineering, and construction. I love doing hands-on projects with my peers and I’m glad I’ve dedicated some of my time to ACE Mentoring.”