Mission

PACE is the Program for Acceleration in Careers of Engineering, a science and engineering awareness program in which professionals volunteer their time to work with minority high school students to help prepare them for college and technical careers. Emphasis is placed on mathematics instruction, engineering orientation, college preparatory skills, and cultural awareness. PACE was founded in October 1982 by members of the National Technical Association at Brookdale Community College. Since its formation the program has expanded to PACE YDC Central Jersey (hosted at Rutgers University, Busch Campus). The PACE branches are organized under the PACE Youth Development Corp., an umbrella Not for Profit, 501(c)3 organization.

The primary objectives of the program are to:

• increase African-American and Latino students’ awareness of and desire to pursue career opportunities in math, science, and engineering
• enhance each student’s academic preparation for such careers
• instill self-esteem, cultural pride, and awareness of African-American and Latino technical accomplishments

We achieve these objectives through a variety of methods including classroom instruction, mentoring, science projects, college trips, workshops, and guest speakers. In addition, we encourage parental involvement in all activities.