The Salt Lake Community College’s Partnership for Accessing College Education (PACE) Scholarship Program is transforming the lives of students throughout the Salt Lake Valley. PACE is SLCC’s high schoolto-college-to-career program, designed to help low-to-moderate income and first-generation students advance to higher-paying careers. Over the past 14 years, PACE has significantly increased high school graduation and college participation rates among its students. Those who complete the high school program can earn up to a six-semester scholarship to SLCC.
Your Impact
SLCC’s PACE Scholarship Program improves college access, facilitates successful transfers to four-year institutions, and opens pathways to meaningful employment for students beginning in high school. Since 2011, PACE has fostered the educational dreams of over 1,000 students—impacting not only those students’ lives, but also the lives of their families.
Thanks to your support, PACE has expanded into six high schools within the Salt Lake City and Granite School Districts. Your contributions have helped PACE to reach even more students, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college. We deeply appreciate your support and look forward to continuing to help students achieve their educational and career goals.
Warm regards,
Greg Peterson, EdD President Salt Lake Community College
“Receiving the PACE scholarship has changed my life. As the first in my family to attend college, this opportunity has meant so much to me and has brought my educational goals within reach. I am deeply grateful for your belief in students like me and making college a possibility.”
— SLCC Student and PACE Scholar
PACE Timeline
2024 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints makes generous contribution to PACE for scholarship support
2023 Alonso Reyna Rivarola becomes Director of the PACE Scholarship Program
2016 PACE expands into Cottonwood High School
2012 PACE expands into East High School and Highland High School
Expanding College Access
Throughout
the Salt Lake Valley
2024 Mark and Kathie Miller extend their support for Cottonwood High School to assist efforts toward achieving 100% high school completion. They aim to improve students’ math skills in partnership with United Way and the Utah Promise Partnership
2023 PACE partners with the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation to expand into Granger High School
2021 Mark and Kathie Miller make the largest single contribution to PACE to expand into Kearns High School
2011 PACE begins at West High School with a substantial start-up contribution from Zion’s Bank
“I can’t be good at everything, but I am good at giving people the ball and letting them run with it. PACE, in effect, does the same thing: providing an opportunity for students who want to succeed to get on a fast-track to do better.”
—Mark Miller
PACE By the Numbers
Investing in Success Since 2011
PACE is offered at 6 public high schools across the Salt Lake City and Granite School Districts
PACE has helped OVER 1,000 students and has secured a total commitment of $ 6.9 MILLION from donors. Funds go directly into scholarship and program support
654
PACE students have graduated from high school 527 went on to college 120 have earned degrees or certificates at SLCC of which 32 transferred to a four-year institution to earn bachelor’s degrees
Generous Gift from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Impacts Students’ Lives
In April 2024, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints generously donated $600,000 to the PACE Scholarship Program. This substantial gift has impacted the lives of 184 students so far, with 34 of them having graduated from SLCC. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Church for their support in helping students along their educational journey.
Who is a High School PACE Scholar?
70% first-generation college student and from low-income families
68.53%
Female
189 PACE students attending SLCC
691
PACE students attending high school
0.43%
Other 30.17%
Male
Opening the Door to Higher Education
PACE students are 15% MORE LIKELY to complete an associate’s degree within six semesters than non-PACE peers.
SINCE 2015 the one-year retention rate for SLCC PACE students is 20% HIGHER than the overall rate for all SLCC students.
80% OF PACE STUDENTS enroll in higher education, with 66% accepting the scholarship to attend SLCC.
Lisa Eccles, President and COO of the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation
Donor Story
Partnership with the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation Expands College Accessibility for Granger High School Students
The George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation has been a pivotal partner in supporting the PACE Scholarship Program through a generous $600,000 gift starting in 2024 and continuing across four years. This significant funding forms part of a collaborative partnership between Granger High School, SLCC, and the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation. Established in 1960, the foundation has consistently prioritized education, health care, cultural arts, and community enrichment, becoming one of Utah’s largest and most influential philanthropic organizations.
This impactful partnership creates educational opportunities for 240 students at Granger High School. Granger High School is uniquely positioned within PACE, welcoming 60 new ninth graders each year—double the typical enrollment at other high schools participating in the PACE Scholarship Program.
Lisa Eccles, President and COO of the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, has shown considerable personal involvement by attending annual student orientations and interacting directly with PACE participants. Reflecting on these experiences, she stated, “Over the past two years, attending the orientations at Granger High School has allowed me to witness the transformative effect of the PACE program firsthand. Meeting these ambitious students and hearing their aspirations reinforces our commitment to supporting initiatives that open doors to higher education and brighter futures.” Granger High School Principal Tyler Howe, PhD, emphasized the importance of this partnership: “It helps the kids see the end goal at the beginning of high school—many students think college is unaffordable or not an option for them. PACE can help facilitate and paint the picture from the beginning for these students, with a carrot at the end—a scholarship to SLCC.”
The collaboration among Granger High School, SLCC, and the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation exemplifies how strategic philanthropy, and educational partnerships can profoundly impact students, families, and communities. Through this continued support, the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation provides essential financial resources while inspiring and empowering students to envision and pursue their educational and career ambitions. The Foundation’s long-standing legacy of generosity continues to shape opportunities across Utah, significantly improving the quality of life for countless individuals and communities.
Student Story
The Transformative Power of Education
Maribel Villanueva knew that education would be the key to her future. And as a PACE Scholarship recipient, she has not only secured her path to success but also inspired others to believe in the transformative power of education.
“School has always been important to me,” said Maribel.
“While in high school, I focused on my studies, and just really enjoyed learning new things. In my sophomore year of high school, I discovered the PACE Scholarship Program and learned that I could qualify for a scholarship. That made me really buckle down and focus even more on school!”
Though college wasn’t frequently discussed at home, Maribel’s parents encouraged her to take advantage of the opportunity. “We didn’t talk much about going to college,” said Maribel. “However, when I told my parents about the PACE scholarship opportunity, they fully supported me and were so proud to learn that I had been accepted.”
The impact of her education extended beyond her own future. “As a first-generation college student, it’s not just about me—it is about my family too. My nieces and nephews look up to me, and I want them to see that going to college is possible if you stay motivated, have the right mindset, and show up for yourself.”
In 2019, Maribel earned an associate’s degree in psychology from SLCC and then transferred to the University of Utah to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology and criminology.
“After graduating, I started my career as a Civilian Control Point Operator at the Utah Department of Corrections before being promoted to Case Worker and Counselor for the Male Substance Use Treatment Program,” said Maribel. “I have since earned my Substance Use Disorder Counselor Certificate from Utah Valley University, and in 2024, I passed the National Association exam and became a licensed professional by the state of Utah.”
She is deeply grateful to those who support the PACE Scholarship Program. “From the bottom of my heart, thank you. You don’t know me, but you are a part of my success. Please know that you have made a difference—not just for me, but for others as well. And for that, I am forever grateful.”
Maribel Villanueva, SLCC Graduate and PACE Scholar
ABOUT SLCC
Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) is Utah’s largest open-access institution, welcoming nearly 50,000 students each year across eight campuses and online. As the most diverse higher education institution in the state, we are committed to creating opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds and circumstances to pursue their dreams. Our students include recent high school graduates beginning their college journey, individuals developing specialized skills for direct entry into the workforce, and seasoned professionals seeking to advance their careers with new expertise. At SLCC, we believe education is a catalyst for personal and community transformation, offering everyone the chance to unlock their potential and shape their future.
Thank you for supporting SLCC students in pursuing their dreams through the PACE Scholarship Program! Your investment helps make higher education accessible and achievable. We hope you will continue to support the PACE Scholarship Program and help even more students realize their potential.
For more information about how you can support students, please contact:
Development Office
Salt Lake Community College AAB 101 4600 South Redwood Road
