Pace Center for Girls Receives $100,000 Grant from AT&T to Support Career and College Readiness

Pace Center for Girls (Pace), a nationally-recognized model that provides education, counseling, training and advocacy for girls and young women, is proud to announce a $100,000 grant from AT&T to support its career and college readiness programs. This funding will be used to cover scholarships for girls in Clay, Leon, Escambia-Santa Rosa, Volusia-Flagler, Orange, Hillsborough, Miami-Dade, and Duval counties. The grant will further Pace's mission of equipping girls, who have faced adversity, with the necessary tools to obtain a high school diploma or GED, develop long-term employability skills, and pursue post-secondary education.

“One of the greatest responsibilities we have as a society is to ensure all girls and young women have access to opportunities that set them up for success in adulthood,” said Mary Marx, President and CEO or Pace Center for Girls. "AT&T’s investment allows us to continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of girls across Florida, providing them with the critical support needed to succeed academically and in their future careers.”

Pace’s comprehensive vocational and educational programs are designed to provide girls with a pathway to success, whether through professional training, military service, community college, or a four-year university. Over the years, Pace has seen transformative personal and professional improvements among the girls they serve. Notably, eight out of 10 girls graduate from high school, pursue higher education, or secure employment after completing the program, and nine out of 10 experience overall academic improvement.

“At AT&T, we are committed to empowering the next generation of leaders. We are proud to support Pace Center for Girls in their mission to equip young women with the tools and education necessary to succeed in life and in their careers,” said Kevin Craig,
regional director, external and legislative affairs, AT&T Florida. “This grant is part of our ongoing effort to bridge the opportunity gap and create lasting impacts in the communities we serve.”

A formal check presentation took place at Pace’s Clay County center, in celebration of National Literacy Month, further highlighting the shared commitment of both organizations to the education and empowerment of young women.