This story is to highlight one of the many different programs here at Northern Essex. In the event that you are unaware of this program this article will introduce, if not inform you of the many things that the program offers. In case you are not familiar with the name, PACE stands for Pathways to Academic & Career Excellence, it is a federally funded program through the U.S. Department of Education.
The program provides support to first generation college students who are low income as well as provide assistance to students with a disability.
The program started here at Northern Essex in 1980, however the program was initially coined TRIO in the 1960’s under the president Lyndon Johnson to address the war on poverty, as stated by Kristen Arnold, Director of PACE program/TRIO-
Student Support Services.Now known as PACE, Arnold said that the goal of PACE is to help students graduate with a degree, transfer to other colleges after Northern Essex and to find as well as apply for scholarships. PACE is one of thousands of TRIO programs and not all colleges have a TRIO program, but there are programs all over the nation. Not all TRIO programs are run the same way though they have the same mission.
PACE here at Northern Essex consists of a staff of four who are always looking for new students to be a part of the program where they can help them to achieve their academic dreams. The staff plays an important role in the lives of the students, with the support that they give to students in many different areas from registering for classes, to workshops, internships and summer programs to name a few. The PACE team is exceptionally good at ensuring that they are supportive of the students’ overall well-being in all areas possible to ensure the students’ success.
It is never dull at PACE; they are always providing students with outside fun opportunities that keep them engaged and energized. The PACE staff here at Northern Essex is dedicated to making sure that the program works for everyone and provides many different resources.
This long-standing program has been the backbone for many first-generation students and many of these students have gone on to be successful people and play very important roles in our society.
Many of the PACE alumni come back every year to share their experiences with PACE and to encourage those that are currently in the program and share their stories on how the program has benefited them.
Going on to higher education can sometimes be challenging and it can often times be a financial struggle.
We do not always have the means to fund our dreams and it is programs like this that give us hope.
Stop in the PACE office where the environment is warm and friendly and learn more about how you can become a part of the PACE program.
Any of the PACE staff would be more than happy to assist you. You will not regret taking the time to find out more details.
PACE is located in the student center building on the second floor across from the bookstore.
