At Pace Center for Girls, we recognize the power of education in shaping the futures of young women. Our commitment to providing girls with access to higher education, vocational and trade opportunities is not just a mission, but a vision for a more inclusive and empowered future.
Offering a diverse range of opportunities – from leadership roles to STEAM programs, arts, sports, and beyond – provides our girls with the chance to explore, discover their passions, and challenge norms that may have limited their choices.
Unlocking Doors through Interactive Experiences
At Pace, we understand that education is not just confined to textbooks and classrooms; it’s an experiential journey. Our annual college trips and tours serve as immersive experiences for our girls, broadening their horizons beyond their immediate surroundings.
Through partnerships that bridge the gap between education and real-world application, we open doors to fields that have been traditionally underrepresented by women. Despite accounting for around half of the employed US workforce, women made up only a third (34%) of those employed in STEAM occupations in 2019. Our collaborations in Emergency Management and STEAM careers are particularly noteworthy. From attending the annual Hurricane Conference in Florida to exploring the intricacies of cellular biology, our girls are exposed to the limitless possibilities that these fields offer.
Imagine the scene: young girls removing candy “kidney stones” and touring the fourth-floor operating room at the University of Florida. These hands-on experiences are not just intriguing, but transformative. They showcase the significance of women in science, demonstrating that our girls can shape the future of these fields.
Addressing Alarming Trends
In recent years, there has been a decline in the enrollment of female freshmen in colleges, as reported by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. This trend is concerning, as it points to potential barriers that young women are facing in accessing higher education. However, at Pace, we are determined to be a part of the solution.
Our Comprehensive Approach
Our vocational and education program is designed to empower at-promise girls in every way possible. We equip them with the tools needed not only to earn their high school diploma or GED but also to develop long-term employability skills. Beyond that, we actively support their pursuit of higher education, whether that means entering a professional training program, joining the military, attending a community college, or enrolling in a four-year university.
Pace has seen transformational improvements among girls personally and professionally. Eight out of 10 girls graduate from high school, pursue higher education or secure employment after the program, and nine out of 10 have experienced overall academic improvement.
Are you a girl who’s interested in Pace? Do you know a girl who may benefit from our programs? Click here to learn more about life at Pace and how you can enroll.