Building Futures: Superintendent Leads Project with ACE Mentor Program
Ben presented to ACE students about the Kent Narrows Revitalization Project
Constructing the Future Through Mentorship With ACE Mentor Program
At Coakley & Williams Construction (CWC), we’re not just committed to building exceptional structures—we’re also passionate about building futures. One shining example of this is the volunteer work of our very own Superintendent Ben Cozzi, who dedicates his time to the ACE Mentor Program in Annapolis.
The 2024-2025 ACE Mentor Program officially kicked off on October 2nd, with an exciting orientation held at Severna Park High School. Students from Severna Park, Broadneck, and Old Mill High Schools gathered to start their journey with the mentorship of industry professionals like Ben, who are helping shape the next generation of architects, engineers, and construction professionals.
Last year, Ben teamed up with Quality Control Manager EJ Sandoval to teach ACE students about sustainable building methods by touring our Long Bridge Aquatics & Fitness Center project.
This year, Ben was selected to help develop the project students will be working on—the Kent Narrows Revitalization Project—in partnership with Jeff Roberson, a professor at Anne Arundel Community College. The project focuses on redesigning and revitalizing a historically and ecologically significant site on Kent Island, Maryland. This ambitious project invites students to explore concepts of eco-tourism and conservation, public space and historical preservation, and transportation and infrastructure enhancement.
Ben’s firsthand experience with the site and his knowledge of the local area allowed him to provide an engaging presentation to the students. He walked the property, gathered stunning visuals, and used OpenSpace technology to give students a virtual tour of the location. His flawless presentation sparked curiosity and excitement among the students, leading to a lively Q&A session demonstrating interest in this impactful project.
Hands-on Learning
The students participating in this 16-week program, ranging from freshmen to seniors, will gain hands-on experience in project development and have opportunities to earn scholarships and cash awards. Through the ACE Mentor Program, Ben and other mentors are helping these students lay the groundwork for their future careers in the architecture, construction, and engineering industries. “What excites me most is watching students go from learning the basics to presenting real, innovative solutions. Their fresh perspectives remind me of why I got into this industry in the first place,” said Ben.
As a bonus, two Queen Anne’s County commissioners will judge the final student presentations. Their participation adds even more significance to this year’s project, as the redevelopment designs created by the students could influence real-life decisions about the future of the Kent Narrows site.
“It’s important to me to give back to the next generation. Through programs like ACE, I can help students not only see what’s possible in our industry but also how they can make a difference in their own communities.”
In addition to his efforts with the ACE Mentor Program, Ben also mentored a CWC intern this past summer.
We’re proud of Ben’s commitment to mentorship and the impact he’s making, both through his work at CWC and through his efforts with the ACE Mentor Program. His dedication to helping students explore and develop their passions perfectly reflects the values we hold at CWC—where every action contributes to building something greater.