Pace Center for Girls: 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

Pace Center for Girls is an acclaimed community-based organization dedicated to providing life-transforming services to at-risk adolescent girls. Founded in 1985, the center has expanded its reach across Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina with a mission rooted in empowerment, education, and advocacy. Recognized as one of the leading programs for keeping girls in school and out of the juvenile justice system, Pace offers a holistic approach that is gender-responsive and trauma-informed, effectively addressing the unique needs of young women.
As readers continue, they will uncover compelling aspects of how Pace empowers thousands of girls through innovative programs, supportive community involvement, and significant partnerships that foster career and college readiness, demonstrating the center’s profound impact on girls' futures.

1. Historical Significance

Pace Center for Girls was founded in 1985 by Vicki Burke in Jacksonville, Florida. The center was established in response to the increasing need for gender-responsive services tailored to girls who face multiple risk factors, including school dropout, juvenile justice involvement, and trauma. Since its inception, Pace has served over 40,000 girls and has grown from a single location to numerous centers across the southeastern United States.

2. Gender-Responsive Model

Pace's programs are unique due to their gender-responsive and trauma-informed approaches, which tailor services to the specific needs of girls. This involves understanding how societal factors uniquely affect girls and designing interventions that build on their strengths. The model includes academic instruction, life skills training, and counseling in a supportive environment that nurtures each girl's potential.

3. Academic and Counseling Services

Providing year-round education and counseling services, Pace supports girls between the ages of 11 and 18. The academic program follows the school district's standards to ensure that girls can transition smoothly back into mainstream education or pursue further education, if desired. Counseling services include both individual and group sessions that focus on coping skills, trauma recovery, and personal development.

4. Life Skills and Career Preparation

Pace emphasizes life skills and career readiness, preparing girls for success beyond the center. This preparation includes career exploration, job readiness training, and assistance with planning for college or vocational pursuits. Many centers offer workshops and partner with local businesses and educators to provide real-world experience and learning opportunities.

5. Community-Based Reach Program

In addition to its day programs, Pace operates a Reach program that extends services into the community. Through Reach, counselors are placed in schools to provide the same intensive services offered at Pace centers. This program increases accessibility and supports girls who may not be able to attend a full-day program.

6. Impact and Success Rates

Impact studies, such as the one conducted by MDRC, have shown that Pace effectively doubles the likelihood of girls staying on track to graduate from high school compared to peers with similar risk factors. The program has contributed to a significant reduction in juvenile delinquency rates among its participants and has improved girls' academic engagement and personal well-being.

7. Celebrating 40 Years of Empowerment

In 2025, Pace celebrates its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of empowering young women and transforming lives. Over the years, the center has not only expanded its geographical reach but has also deepened its commitment to innovation in supporting each girl’s journey toward a successful future.

8. Partnerships and Collaborations

Pace's impact is amplified through strategic partnerships with educational institutions and community organizations. These collaborations enable Pace to expand its service offerings, such as the newly established partnership with Miami Dade College, which creates a direct pathway for teacher education and certification, addressing the nationwide teacher shortage

9. Milestones and Recent Developments

Recently, Pace has embarked on significant developments such as breaking ground on new facilities, like the one in Hernando County, and launching programs like TelePace to provide virtual mental health support to girls in areas without accessible mental health resources. These milestones reflect Pace's proactive approach to meeting the dynamic needs of its community.

10. Challenges and Criticisms

While revered for its transformative impact, Pace also faces challenges typical of nonprofit organizations, such as ensuring sustainable funding and expanding services to reach more girls. The center continually evolves to overcome barriers inherent in scaling operations across diverse communities, ensuring consistency in service quality.

Conclusion

Pace Center for Girls continues to stand as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change, providing a supportive network that empowers girls to rise above their circumstances and unlock their potential. As it celebrates its 40th year, the center remains committed to its mission of creating a world where all girls and young women have opportunities for success. The journey of Pace is a testament to the profound difference that targeted support and understanding can make in shaping future generations.