Program for Accelerated College Education (PACE)

Upcoming Zoom Information Session:

Prospective PACE students - RSVP through Eventbrite to receive the Zoom link on the day of the event. 

Please note - Current LACCD or Pierce College students can go to "Step 2" (scroll up) to complete their PACE Orientation in Canvas. The Zoom Info Sessions are for new or returning students. 

Sept 18, 2025 from 6-7 pm:  Eventbrite RSVP

Oct 9, 2025 from 6-7 pm:     Eventbrite RSVP

Oct 14, 2025 from 6-7 pm:    Eventbrite RSVP

Can't find an Info Session that works for you? No problem. Go to the PACE virtual hours to do a one-on-one session with our Student Services Assistant, Lupita. You can also email Lupita to schedule an appointment at narkevlr@laccd.edu

Note for K-12 students: Students on a K-12 waiver will not be processed into the PACE group. 

What is PACE?

We know life can be busy; therefore, we designed a program to help you achieve your career and academic goals.

The Program for Accelerated College Education (PACE) is a special Pierce College program that focuses on a guided pathway toward graduation within two years. This long-standing Pierce College program was designed to assist re-entry students and working adults in achieving their academic goals.

• PACE coursework is compressed to fit into 8-week quarters instead of 16-week semesters.
• PACE classes follow the CSU & IGETC GE certified plans that can be applied to any Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) program.
• PACE offers a guided pathway toward graduation.
• PACE students typically take 10 classes each year, during 5 PACE sessions (fall, spring, summer) to graduate in two years. There are five PACE sessions offered in a school year: two in the fall, two in the spring, and one in the summer. Note: Students are not required to follow this sequence. 
• PACE students can be full-time or part-time students; you choose your pace. 

Research on Adult Learners in California

The College Futures Foundation is at the forefront of working toward an ambitious goal—aligned with the statewide target—to achieve 70% postsecondary attainment among underserved learners aged 25 and older.

College Futures Foundation data brief (2025) states:

"Too often, the conversation around postsecondary attainment leaves out the very learners who are most essential to California’s future: adults balancing work, family, and education. Today, just 56% of adults ages 25 to 64 in our state hold a degree or high-value credential. Among those age 25 or older who begin their postsecondary journeys at a community college, fewer than one in four complete a degree, earn a credential, or transfer within four years.

Nearly half of all California’s community college students are 25 or older. These learners bring experience, motivation, and complex lives to the classroom and yet, our systems still center a “traditional” student profile that no longer reflects reality."

Source: https://collegefutures.org/reaching-attainment-goals-adult-learners-part-one/

At Pierce College, we value the adult learner and have created a program to provide a supportive path to graduation for students returning to college. 

Why do students love PACE?

Pick 2 to get through! PACE students study for only two 8-week classes at a time and still complete four classes (or more) in a semester! PACE allows students to maintain their full-time status while studying for only two classes at a time.

• Focus on two classes at a time to complete your degree.
• Work full-time or part-time while completing your education.
• PACE unlocks additional classes for Pierce students.
• PACE students get priority enrollment in PACE classes.
• PACE offers classes fully online, in-person, or remote Zoom.
• In-person classes are hybrid, which means less time on campus
• PACE has a designated Student Services Assistant and counselor to assist you.
• PACE is designed to support seamless transfer to various four-year institutions.
• PACE follows a guided pathway, a structured plan for students to follow.