About PACE
Southern Connecticut State University is an intentionally diverse community committed to social justice and student success. Southern's Pathways to Academic and Career Empowerment (PACE) holistically supports the success of foster youth who aspire to earn a college degree. Under University Access Programs (UAP) stewardship, PACE scholars connect to mentors, critical campus partnerships, and resources that promote student achievement and belonging in a caring and supportive community.
Summer Institute
Program participants may complete a 3-week enrichment program before the start of the fall semester. Students receive academic skill development, get connected to key staff members, start specific core courses early, and work with an academic success coach.
Early Arrival Program
PACE students participate in a 1- to 2-day early arrival program before the fall semester. Students will learn about helpful resources and begin to navigate the campus. They will also meet one another and engage in meaningful ways with faculty and staff who will be a part of their support network.
Mentoring Relationships
PACE students meet bi-weekly or monthly with a UAP professional advocate who provides emotional support and direct connection to university resources. Advocates help students overcome academic success barriers, hold them accountable to identified goals, develop professional skills, and coach them to build meaningful relationships with faculty, staff, and peers.
Academic Success Enhancement
Program participants are offered academic support through content and intellectual skill development. Participants can use tutors and Peer Academic Leaders (PALS) to support their content understanding in their classes. They will also be assigned an academic success coach to help develop their academic skills and success in their classes.
Career Exploration
Program participants follow a tailored curriculum through the Office of Career & Professional Development. Students become a part of an individualized career community focused on three core areas: • Career Exploration and Navigation • Internships and Professional Development • Employability and After College Success. Each participant is assigned a career coach who connects with them throughout their academic journey at Southern.
Financial Wellness
Program participants engage in targeted activities and training opportunities to learn the basics of credit and money management. Participants learn the essential building blocks to financial wellness through a collaborative approach from multiple Southern departments. Additionally, each participant builds plans for economic well-being after college.
Community Programming
A nurturing community of UAP students and staff supports PACE students. They participate in UAP programs and activities that help them acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions and set and achieve positive goals. Students also learn to empathize with others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.
University Access Program for PACE: Four-Year Program Framework
UAPP Plan for 2025-2027 Academic Year
Program Overview
PACE supports the success of students with experience in foster care who aspire to earn a college degree. PACE scholars are connected to staff, critical partnerships, and resources that promote student achievement, belonging in a caring and supportive environment, or community.
Year One: Foundation for Success
Theme: Building Community & Academic Confidence Objectives
- Establish a sense of belonging at Southern.
- Foster community within the program and campus-wide.
- Develop self-efficacy as a college student.
- Build fundamental academic and financial skills.
- Personal growth and practical skills building.
Key Components
- Advocate Support and Academic Check-ins: Weekly to monitor progress and offer
- Summer Institute Building Partnerships: Program participants complete a 2-week enrichment program before the start of the fall semester with key partners. Open to first-year Pace students.
- Early Arrival Program: PACE students participate in a 1–2-day early arrival program with key partners (example, Flex).
- Peer mentoring small groups requirements: Weekly groups touchpoints, biweekly in-person meetings, shared meals, event attendance, and monthly workshops. (PACE Upper Classmen involvement/assistance)
- Monthly Seminars: Topics include Career Development competencies: resumes, well-being, academic skills, identity, financial Literacy, Time Management, Mental Health Support, and Social Engagements.
- Leadership Development Bronze Certificate
Key On-Campus Partnerships
- Alumni Relations (Gregory Bernard & AmeriCorps Vista members) Junior and Senior.
- Office of Student Involvement and Leadership (Denise Bentley-Drobish)
- Center for Academic Success and Accessibility Services (Katie De Oliviera) (Encourage the Summer Institute- Awareness from day 1.
- Academic Advising (Harry Twyman and Academic Advisors) (second semester, first-year-specific engagement.
- Office of Career and Professional Development (Rachel Exavier)
- Dean of Students Office (Alandre Alexis)
Key Off-Campus Partnerships
- UCONN Health (Adoption Assistance Program)
- Sun Scholars: Aftercare program
Learning Outcomes: Benefits to PACE
- Scholars establish friendships and social networks.
- Scholars develop confidence in navigating college life.
- Scholars gain foundational knowledge in financial literacy and academic skills.
- Career Opportunities and Beyond
- Personal growth, communication, and collaboration abilities.
- Responsibilities and independence.
- Set and achieve personal growth.
For more information, please contact Bernard Macklin or Sasha Benjamin.