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Working Adults at DVC Set Their PACE and Stay on Track to Graduate

Nov 30, 2021

Sofia Deleuse knew she wanted to complete her college education. But like so many other working adults, she was juggling multiple responsibilities.

“I was a single mother of a beautiful young girl, and we were living with my parents in San Francisco. They were helping me raise my daughter. I was managing a small business in Burlingame. I was ready to move on because I had gone as far as I could in that company. I had been attending a community college in San Francisco, but didn’t really know what direction I was going into. I just knew I wanted to be more educated and be a person my daughter could look up to,” said Deleuse.

Deleuse and her daughter moved to Concord in 2016. A year later, she enrolled at DVC to continue her education. That’s where she found the Program for Adult College Education (PACE) Program. PACE was created for working adults, including stay-at-home parents, who would like to obtain an associate’s degree and/or transfer to a four-year university. 

“The teachers are understanding about the adults having a life. They know we are not young adults with no responsibilities,” said Deleuse. 

What is the PACE program?

“PACE is a learning community program designed to support adults juggling work, life, and school.  We offer a set curriculum with reserved seating, dedicated counseling, and instructional faculty. We also offer tutoring, mentoring and established partnerships with receiving transfer institutions to ensure the success of our PACE students. All working adult students are welcome,” said Sheila Lau, counseling faculty and PACE program coordinator.

PACE students can select from three tracks:

• General Education: The general education track is geared for students pursuing a variety of majors. Students complete a breadth of general education courses required for associate degree completion and/or transfer to CSU, UC or private/independent colleges and universities. Students work with a PACE counselor to select classes that satisfy their individual major requirements as well. 
• Business: The business track is  offered in collaboration with the San Ramon campus. Students are able to earn a business administration associate in science degree for transfer. This track includes curriculum for both general education and major requirements.
• Administration of Justice: Beginning in spring 2022, PACE students may also choose the administration of justice track. Students can complete a designated certificate of achievement, administration of justice associate in science degree, or an administration of justice associate in science degree for transfer. 

PACE participants can choose the Business Track in collaboration with the DVC San Ramon Campus.

PACE students enjoy the flexibility of the PACE program, as they can enroll in a mixture of evening, online, and hybrid classes. 

Deleuse chose the business track.

“I plan on pursuing my BA in business, hopefully focusing on leadership. I would like to continue my education at Saint Mary’s College. They have a program that is similar to the PACE program at DVC. I am also applying for Cal State East Bay just in case Saint Mary’s College doesn’t work out,” said Deleuse.

Why join the PACE program?

“If a student is juggling a full plate, the PACE program can help streamline their college experience with support. Curriculum is taught by PACE instructors. Students also receive PACE counseling support, tutoring and mentors,” said Lau.

The PACE team is able to anticipate and respond to student needs. This helps keep students on track to graduate. 

“Students in the PACE program don’t have to search for classes, tutoring and support. We bring it all to the students, understanding the demands and needs of the working adult, we work everything around to accommodate their busy lives and schedules,” said Shaeehea Hollis, counseling faculty and PACE program coordinator.

PACE program participants enjoy a smoother transfer path as well.

“We have established transfer partnerships with PACE-friendly receiving institutions to make transferring a viable option while continuing as a working adult learner,” said Hollis. 

Employers find PACE to be an affordable, flexible learning opportunity for their employees. Skills their employee learns in class can be applied on the job.

“This enables PACE graduates to have the opportunity to advance into higher level positions, fostering options for retention and continued employment in the company,” said Lau.

Benefits

• Reserved seating in impacted courses with PACE instructor
• Assigned counselors within the PACE program
• Focused curriculum 
• Mid-term success reports 
• PACE mentorship support 
• 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.

Deleuse is grateful for the support she received from the PACE team, especially after suffering a personal loss.

“Shortly after this semester started, my mother passed away from cancer. I cared for her myself most of that time. PACE professors and my counselor, Sheila Lau, have been very understanding of my situation,” said Deleuse.

Despite all that she has gone through, Deleuse is trying to remain focused as she looks ahead to the next step on her college journey.

The goal I set for myself when I started this journey was that I was going to graduate and transfer to a university. I was going to be a better student than I was in high school. I was going to actually learn something and use the skills I am learning to pursue a career that I enjoy. DVC has kept me on track and PACE has sped up my timeline that I had planned for school,” said Deleuse. 

Getting started

• Submit a DVC application, if you haven’t completed one previously
• Submit the PACE application
• Attend PACE student orientation
• Meet with a PACE counselor
• Submit the FAFSA to see what financial aid you qualify for (most of our students don’t pay any tuition)

For more information, visit www.dvc.edu/pace. 

Student Success

Felicia Hill

When Felicia Hill first learned about the PACE program, she knew it would be an ideal fit for her.

“When I met with my counselor, she walked through the educational program and designed a plan specifically for me,” said Hill.

Through the PACE program, Hill was able to earn her associate in science in business, as well as a certificate of achievement in general business, and a real estate salesperson certificate of accomplishment in just two and a half years.

“I feel the teachers and counselors were available for guidance and were committed to helping us all be successful. I am absolutely satisfied with the PACE program at DVC,” said Hill.

Jeff Heath

Jeff Heath started college at the age of 41. 

“I realized I needed a degree in order to reach a higher level in my career,” said Heath.

Heath really appreciated the support and guidance he received through the PACE program.

“My PACE counselor, Sheila Lau, was always available when I needed her. She played an important role in seeing me through the pandemic and helped me pick which school I should transfer to,” said Heath.

Tanya Flucher

Tanya Flucher was determined to complete her college journey. But like many working adults, she found it difficult to balance multiple responsibilities.

“I attempted college several times, and I wasn’t successful. I made up my mind in 2016, that I was going to complete my AA transfer degree,” said Flucher.

She entered the PACE Program in Summer 2016, beginning with a public speaking class.

“I got an A in the class. That helped me to find the determination and drive to keep moving forward. I just took things one semester at a time,” said Flucher.

Flucher felt the support she received from the PACE program advisers was really helpful.

“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,” said Flucher.

Flucher transferred to Cal State East Bay in 2020 to obtain a bachelor of arts in human development/women’s studies.

“I’m living proof that it’s never too late to complete your educational goals,” said Flucher.

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