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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.