Diablo Valley College will continue remote learning and teaching through Fall 2020/Spring 2021 term. The health and safety of our students, faculty, staff and community are important to us. 

image of PACE logo

Welcome to the PACE - Program for Adult College Education

Have you ever dreamed of a college education, but never got the chance because you have been working full-time, raising a family, or just never thought it was possible? Or, are you considering a change in employment or want to pursue a degree to improve your career options? 

The PACE Program at Diablo Valley College is designed specifically to support working adults, including stay-at-home parents, in pursuing an associate degree and/or transfer to a four year college/university. With our support, you can attain your goals, while balancing family, career, and scheduling demands.

PACE Informational Session  

Come learn more about the PACE program to determine if it is the right fit for you (Sign up HERE)

PACE Program Advantages and Benefits

  • Reserved seating in impacted courses with dedicated PACE instructor
  • Assigned dedicated counselors within the PACE program
  • Focused curriculum to help students stay on track
  • Mid-term success reports to help students track their academic progress
  • PACE mentorship support provided
  • Additional graduation ceremony for PACE students
  • Access to transfer partner Universities that also have programs built for busy adults, including CSU East Bay, Saint Mary’s College, University of San Francisco, Western Governors University and more.

PACE Program Requirements

  • Attend New PACE Student Orientation
  • Enroll in Student Success course during first term (unless previously taken)
  • Meet with PACE counselor every semester to create and maintain a Student Educational Plan

PLEASE NOTE:

*If you are needing two or three classes to complete your educational goal, this program is NOT for you.

Click below to see the two-year sequence of courses for each PACE Track:

Once you complete your Associate degree, you have the option to pursue your Bachelor’s degree at one of our transfer partner Universities that also have programs built for busy adults, including CSU East Bay, SF State, and more.

Applying to PACE takes THREE easy steps:

Step one for PACE

Complete a DVC Application Click HERE
If you’re a current  DVC student, you can skip this step. 

Step two for PACE

Complete a PACE Application and sign up for a PACE orientation  (Summer/Fall 2021 application)
Just takes a few minutes.

Step three for PACE

Meet with a PACE Counselor
We’ll reach out to you after you submit your application for scheduling. 

Meet by phone or Zoom so your PACE counselor can help you build you educational plane and discuss your goals, especially if you want to transfer to a University after PACE.
*Important - Make sure to send us all your official transcripts from other colleges  to DVC prior to scheduling your PACE counseling appointment so we can give you credit for completed college courses.

FAFSA for PACE

OK, there’s actually a STEP FOUR. It’s optional, but we strongly recommend it:

Complete your FAFSA to see what financial aid you qualify for [CLICK HERE]
Most of our students don’t pay any tuition. 

And even if you don’t qualify, our enrollment fees are very affordable at $46 per unit for CA residents (or about $1,380 per year).  If you need help filling out the FAFSA, contact DVC Financial Aid Office for assistance.

 For more information or if you have additional questions, please contact us at: nbasilious@dvc.edu

 

For Employers

If you are an employer who is looking for a great program to help your employees achieve their goals, Click HERE

Why PACE?
  • A multi-semester, flexible Learning Community for Working Adults
  • Designed for people who need their first two years of college General Education classes
  • Mixture of evening, online, and hybrid classes
  • PACE classes include all types of General Ed. classes such as: Anthropology, English, History, Geography, Math, Psychology, Sociology, etc. View the pre-planned PACE course schedule
  • Take PACE classes with other working people like you
  • Instructors and PACE Counselor are dedicated to working with adult students
  • Complete your A.A., A.S. , or your general ed. requirements to transfer
  • Earn a quality college education at low community college costs
  • Transfer to CSU, UC, or private colleges to complete your Bachelor degree
PACE Team

 

Sheila Lau    Shiila image                                             

PACE Program Faculty Coordinator/Counselor
Office:925-969-2457
Email: dvcpace@dvc.edu

I'm passionate about the PACE Program! Having been a PACE student myself, I understand first hand, the struggles of being a working adult and raising a family all while going to school. I was a transfer student working 3 jobs throughout my undergraduate degree. And then I was a working mother with two boys ages 3 and 5 when I pursued my graduate degree. It was hard, but I did it with the support of a PACE Program, and you will too. I look forward to supporting you through your journey in the PACE Program at DVC.

Shaeehea  HollisSHA                         

PACE Program Faculty Coordinator/Counselor
Office:925-969-2154
Email: dvcpace@dvc.edu

I am so happy to work with PACE students. I was a single mother of two children who worked full-time as I attended community college. I was given a lot of help and support by counselors who inspired me to earn my BA and MA degrees. Being a part of the PACE program at DVC is rewarding, I feel grateful that I can help and support other working adults achieve their goals. I look forward to working with you!

RosaRosa Armendariz

Dean of Student Engagement and Equity
Office: 925-969-2233
Email: rarmendariz@dvc.edu
SVRC 106/PUMA 107

 

NohaNoha Basilious

Program Coordinator
Office:925-969-3012
Email: nbasilious@dvc.edu

 

 

Success Stories

Tanya Flucher picTanya Flucher

I made up my mind in 2016, that I was going to complete my AA transfer degree. I attempted college several times, and I wasn’t successful. I entered the PACE Program in Summer 2016. I took public speaking and I got an A in the class. After completing the public speaking class, I had the determination and drive to keep moving forward. I just took things one semester at a time. Every semester I received a tremendous amount of support from the PACE Program advisers. I was working full time, going to school, and supporting my daughter through high school. I encountered several obstacles along the way.  I didn’t let that stop me, I persevered. I’m transferring to Cal State East Bay Fall 2020, to obtain my BA in Human Development/ Women’s Studies. I’m living proof that it’s never too late to complete your educational goals.