University of Richmond Receives Grant Funding for Program Focusing on Early College Awareness for K-8 Students

February 15, 2023

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND — The University of Richmond Bonner Center for Civic Engagement has received grant support from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia for the Campus Visit Pilot Program. This funding supports Pathways to College Experiences, known as PACE, a CCE program that introduces Richmond area middle and elementary school students to the possibility of a college education by offering a comprehensive experience on UR’s campus.  

"This grant is instrumental in allowing the PACE Program to become a more reciprocal partnership between the University of Richmond and our local K-8 schools,” said Sylvia Gale, executive director of the CCE. “Our team is confident that the PACE Program model will set a high standard for early college awareness in our region and continue to bolster K-8 student interest and understanding of post-secondary opportunities in Greater Richmond and beyond."

PACE tours are led by trained guides and may include visits with our campus partners, including Boatwright Memorial Library, Information Services, the Modlin Center for the Arts, the Office of Admission, the Office of Sustainability, Residence Life & Housing, Richmond Athletics, the Robins School of Business, the School of Arts & Sciences, the Student Center for Equity & Inclusion, the Student Health Center, University Museums, and UR Well.

“The goal is to introduce a college education in an inviting and relatable way,” said Caroline Glover, assistant director of student engagement and the Bonner Scholars program, who oversees the PACE program.

“Early college awareness programs like PACE are crucial for first-generation, low-income, and underserved students,” said sophomore Beza Mulatu, student coordinator for the PACE program. “We offer hands-on experiences, such as participating in college readiness activities and engaging with current college students and faculty, which helps students to visualize themselves as college students and understand the steps they need to take to pursue higher education.”

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