The Project for Adult College Education (PACE). Board of Governors Exemplary Program Award Proposal

Abstract

The Project for Adult College Education (PACE) at Los Angeles Pierce College, in California, is a transfer-oriented General Education program for working adults. The program was initiated in 1986, enrolling approximately 200 adult students each semester during the first 2 years. The program now enrolls approximately 400 adult students each semester, and includes the following components: (1) a curriculum which meets the freshman/sophomore requirements at most public and private universities in California, and is structured so that students can matriculate in five semesters, earning 60-units of credit; (2) a strong emphasis on collaborative learning through the use of study teams which meet on a weekly basis at a student's home; (3) a staff comprised of four faculty, a director, a dean, a counselor, and a secretary, who meet on a weekly basis to discuss and plan ongoing program operations; (4) courses scheduled to repeat every five semesters so that a student entering the program in either fall or spring can complete the program coursework in five semesters; (5) a student body which is 70% female and 28% ethnic minority; and (6) course scheduling designed for working students in which participants are enrolled in four courses each semester, and attend classes one night per week and on alternate Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. The only non-transferable course required of PACE students is English 28 (pre-college composition). Though the PACE program emphasizes a Business degree, the 60 credits earned can be applied to a number of bachelors degrees at senior institutions. A list of all PACE courses and course descriptions; a list of senior institutions accepting PACE graduates; and data tables are included. (PAA)