The Cumming affiliate of the Architecture, Construction and Engineering Mentor Program is ready to launch.

Founded by leaders at design and construction firms, the ACE program introduces high school students to the industry’s career opportunities.

The organization’s mission is to educate and motivate students toward architecture, construction, engineering and related careers. The program also hopes to provide mentoring opportunities for future designers and constructors.

Parents and students are invited to an introduction about the program at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, engineering night, at South Forsyth High School.

John Derucki, president of Derucki Construction and executive chair of the local affiliate, said in a statement that the construction industry is the nation’s second-largest employer and more than 50 percent of all buildings expected to be in place by 2030 have not been built.

“Current projections indicate the demand for an educated work force will exceed the supply, with over 1 million job openings by 2012,” he said. “This is a crisis that we cannot afford. The growth of our country depends on finding solutions.”

Derucki said the program will open up careers for a new generation of talented professionals and continue the industry’s growth.

“There are jobs in the architectural, construction and engineering fields for college graduates who enjoy bringing science, technology and practical solutions together,” he said.

For more information, call Aaron Weil at (678) 947-8505, Ext. 222.