Summer Workplace Experience (SWE)
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About SWE
Summer Workplace Experience (SWE) is a paid program for active ACE students. SWE is an opportunity for students to shadow A/E/C professionals and continue the ACE mentorship experience in greater depth. Firms will host students for 80 hours from July to August every summer. Students will receive a stipend of $1,600 ($20/hr) for participating. All ACE Oregon students (Portland and Vancouver teams) are encouraged to apply! |
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Applications for the Summer of 2026
Application open every spring at the Midterm sessions. Selected students will be notified by the Final presentations in May.
To apply for the 2026 SWE program, please sign in to your ACE Database Account that is used when you register for the program. The Summer Workplace Experience application is within the Scholarship Portal.
The deadline to apply is April 10th, 2026 at 9 PM.
To apply for the 2026 SWE program, please sign in to your ACE Database Account that is used when you register for the program. The Summer Workplace Experience application is within the Scholarship Portal.
The deadline to apply is April 10th, 2026 at 9 PM.
SWE STUDENT FAQ
When does the 2026 SWE program take place?
The 2026 SWE Cohort will complete their 80 hours between July 6th and August 28th.
Do work locations move around or change therough out the summer?
Locations are typically at one office. However, site tours and social outings for students are part of the program which aren't hosted at offices. The SWE program is not like the core program where sessions are hosted in different spaces every session.
Can vacations or other summer plans be worked around?
Students in ACE meet once a week on Tuesdays or Thursdays from 4:30-6:30 pm for two weeks on then one week off for a week off. Sessions are held at local firms located in or near downtown Portland. Some may take field trips to job sites. For more information please visit the Program Calendar.
Can vacations or other summer plans be worked around?
Vacations can be worked around, but students must complete their 80 hours within the targeted time between early July-end of August.
There is space in the application to include information on vacations. Please include as much detail as you can regarding dates you'll be out of town. SWE Hosts try to be as flexible as possible for students participating, and we understand that vacations are planned prior to applications.
There is space in the application to include information on vacations. Please include as much detail as you can regarding dates you'll be out of town. SWE Hosts try to be as flexible as possible for students participating, and we understand that vacations are planned prior to applications.
What are the hour requirements?
All SWE students must complete 80 hours with their host firm.
The hours per day varies depending on what the student and hosting firm agree on! This is how we're able to offer flexible scheduling for students. Some prefer to complete 8hrs/day. Some students have other commitments while participating and can only complete 4-5 hours a day. This is arranged prior to the start of the program between the student and hosting firm.
Sample work schedules:
2 weeks for 40 hours a week (8 hour work days, Monday-Friday)
4 weeks for 20 hours a week (5 hour work days, Monday-Thursday)
The hours per day varies depending on what the student and hosting firm agree on! This is how we're able to offer flexible scheduling for students. Some prefer to complete 8hrs/day. Some students have other commitments while participating and can only complete 4-5 hours a day. This is arranged prior to the start of the program between the student and hosting firm.
Sample work schedules:
2 weeks for 40 hours a week (8 hour work days, Monday-Friday)
4 weeks for 20 hours a week (5 hour work days, Monday-Thursday)
Is Transportation support provided?
Students are responsible for their own transportation. ACE can provide Hop passes for transportation.
thank you to our 2025 hosting firms!
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Andersen Construction
BRIC Architecture GBD Architects JH Kelly LSW Architects |
Mortenson
Turner Construction TriMet OEG HL Stearns |
Interested in hosting an ACE student? Reach out to ACE Staff: [email protected].