Students who have advanced their studies thanks to ACES (L-R): Wendy Angel, Director, Emerald Cities Collaborative, Ross A. Guzman, California State University Fullerton, Francisco Parra Guzmán, ACES Career Pathways Program Director, Janelle T., Cal Poly Pomona, Nathan Martínez, Pasadena City College, Andrew Cueto, California State University Los Angeles, and Veronica Soto, ACES founder.

A transformative program in Los Angeles County is celebrating a significant milestone: the 10th anniversary of the ACES (Architecture, Construction, Engineering, Sustainability) initiative. Designed in partnership with L.A. County and SoCalREN, ACES aims to inspire and prepare underserved students for careers in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics).

Among the program’s success stories is Ross A. Guzman, a current student at California State University Fullerton, who credits ACES with paving his path to higher education. The program offers a comprehensive support system for students, including college courses, field trips, hands-on industry experiences, workshops, and paid internships.

A recent celebration highlighted the achievements of participants, showcasing a group of students who have benefitted from the program. The event featured several key figures, including Wendy Angel, Director of the Emerald Cities Collaborative; Francisco Parra Guzmán, ACES Career Pathways Program Director; and Veronica Soto, the founder of ACES. Students in attendance included Janelle T. from Cal Poly Pomona, Nathan Martínez from Pasadena City College, and Andrew Cueto from California State University Los Angeles.

“This milestone underscores the vital role ACES plays in preparing the next generation of architects, engineers, and sustainability leaders from our community,” said Soto during the celebration.

For more information about the ACES program and its impact, visit [SoCalREN](https://socalren.org/workforce-education-and-training/ACES). Through this collaborative effort, ACES continues to serve as a beacon of hope and opportunity for students seeking a brighter future in STEAM fields.