Keeping PACCE for Ohio Students

As the school year comes to a close, Learn to Earn Dayton reflected on the expansion of the Pathways for Accelerated College and Career Experiences (PACCE) pilot program to serve Ohio's students. 

On May 20, Learn to Earn Dayton convened a team of dedicated educators and career navigators from the PACCE communities across Ohio to reflect on the successes and challenges in 2024-2025, and to align programming and strengthen opportunities for students in the coming years.

The half-day session included exploration of the many resources and tools available for students to explore their potential career paths, focus on areas of interest, and prepare for future success. The team discussed the unique assets within the districts they serve, and they found opportunities to leverage shared regional offerings in the coming year for the benefit of all students. 

PACCE was designed with a multi-industry team of engaged community, K-12, postsecondary, and workforce partners from across the region, guided by best national practices and insights of the AccelerateED cohort. The first stage of the pilot launched in 2023-2024 at Kettering City School District, with an investment from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. In 2024, The BlackRock Foundation invested in the effort to bring PACCE programming to more students across Ohio, supporting Career Navigators in eight rural, suburban, and urban districts. For 2025-2026, we are excited to have additional interest from districts seeking to better connect their students to career andn college experiences, and will be welcoming new Career Navigators to the PACCE work sessions. 

Thank you to all the business partners, educators, counselors, investors, and administrators who are working in support of students!