Local High School Students Take Part in PAC "PACES" Program

More than 30 high school students took part in a 5-week Palo Alto College Early Start (PACES) Program, receiving academic preparation in English and math, and an insight into college life. The students, juniors and seniors from John F. Kennedy, Memorial and South San High Schools, along with the Edgewood Fine Arts Academy, also received guidance on financial planning. Along with English and math, the students also received guidance on coping with the everyday challenges of life while pursuing their educational dreams. According to Ray Hernandez, PAC’s Director of Retention Support Services, the PACES program allowed the students to become acquainted with Palo Alto College, while learning valuable academic skills that will enhance their educational success upon returning to high school. PACES staff members also assisted students in planning college visitations to public and private colleges and universities in order to expose them to a variety of college settings in the San Antonio area. “Our goal was to help students further enhance their English and math skills, while exposing them to a college atmosphere,” Hernandez said. “And judging by their remarks at the end of the program, they’re all eager to start classes at Palo Alto College."