What is PACE YDC?
PACE YDC is a dynamic youth development organization. This
not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation specializes in creatively exposing young people to
the vast opportunities available in engineering and science fields while at the same time
preparing them to take full advantage of those opportunities. PACE is an acronym for the
name given to the organization’s original youth development program, Program for
Acceleration in Careers of Engineering. The program provides a vital link between
professionals with technical skills and students with untapped potential.
PACE YDC establishes branch sites to host its youth development
programs in targeted communities. Each branch site raises the funds necessary to support
its local activities. The PACE YDC branch sites receive additional support and from the
corporation.
Program Description
A typical site now serves between 30 to 60 students per year. Many
former PACE students have gone on to graduate from very rigorous engineering programs at
some of this nations finest colleges and universities. Now, PACE alumni are beginning to
return to the program to serve as staff members and inspire today’s PACE students.
The PACE program schedule coincides with the 9-month school year from
October through June. Each Saturday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., PACE students
are enlightened and challenged by a series of classes in three areas.
The first area focuses on Career Exposure, Personal Development, &
Cultural Awareness. Students participate in lively group discussions covering a wide range
of topics designed to increase the student’s knowledge of self, boost self-esteem,
develop professional skills, and encourage social responsibility. Some of the topics
discussed are African history, resume writing, interviewing techniques, test taking
skills, study habits, teenage pregnancy, and current events.
The second area is Engineering & Science Exploration and is divided
into a number of different sections designed to allow students to move from the basics of
engineering offered in the Introduction to Engineering class to the experiences in
scientific design and experimentation offered in the Advanced Engineering Projects
class. Other engineering classes offered include Electrical Engineering Projects
and Computer Science.
The third area is Mathematics Development and is also divided into a
number of different sections designed to prepare students for their engineering projects
classes. Math classes offered in a typical PACE youth development program include Algebra
I, Algebra II, Geometry, and Pre-Calculus.
In addition to the classes and the student/staff interaction, the PACE
Program offers:
