Expanding the PACE Program for Individuals in Jail and Beyond

St. Louis County Justice Services (DJS) and St. Louis Community College (STLCC/sub-recipient) will create a safer St. Louis through a fortified partnership that provides DJS residents an opportunity to complete gateway college courses to commence an educational journey that removes barriers to education and employment and creates an opportunity for more fulsome participation upon release. This expanded PACE project will (a) expand STLCC courses currently being offered to individuals during incarceration; (b) increase the number of DJS residents receiving STLCC courses; (c) establish STLCC as an educational pathway during reentry; and (d) increase collaboration and information sharing between DJS, STLCC, and relevant stakeholders to highlight the benefits, challenges, and lessons learned.

Harnessing DJS’ reputation for delivering innovative, evidence-based programs at Missouri’s largest jail and STLCC’s long history of providing accessible education, this project seeks to address the low educational attainment of inmates by providing HiSET testing vouchers, college courses  (up to 990 credit hours annually or 2,970 total), and support services to ~175 residents (112 men and 63 women). In addition to the 175 DJS residents, 60 participants from the PACE pilot will receive support with STLCC enrollment and student support services after release.