Our Mission

to equip and empower servant leaders

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Our Vision

A Christ-shaped body where students help build community by discovering their purpose, others' purposes, and by establishing a life rhythm that enables that purpose to thrive.

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Our Values

As a ministry of the United Methodist Church, Pace believes The Kingdom of God is a reality to be experienced by all. It facilitates this with an emphasis on the following values:​

• Every individual is created with infinite value and lives more fully in the Kingdom when they are empowered to use their gifts to help their communities thrive.

• All are created to live in deep relationships with one another, not in isolation.

How do we build community?

Pace uses an Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) strategy to develop communities at VCU where people’s gifts are valued. ABCD builds on the assets that are already found in the student community and mobilizes individuals to come together to build on their assets instead of concentrating on what students need. VCU students do this by first identifying the assets of their community through a series of listening interviews. Once they discover the assets and passions of their diverse community, individuals are matched with people or groups who have an interest or passion in that asset. For example, many students love cooking and cuisine. A group of students who enjoy cooking might come together to make a weekly meal. The key is to use the gifts that VCU students possess to create student-led programming and build a stronger, deeper VCU community where students hold the power.

here's how pace students describe ABCD:

fLAGSHIP pROGRAMS

fELLOWSHIP

Pace’s semester-long Fellowship program is designed to foster community leaders. Pace Fellows devote 6-10 hours/week to the program and receive training in strengths-based community development practices, learning how to uplift the strengths of others. Through listening surveys, Fellows discover the dreams, passions, and gifts of other VCU students. They work with interested students to develop programs that bring those strengths to life, including open-mic night, mindful art projects, serving at food pantries, Community Cafe, and many other projects. 

By leading student teams, Fellows learn communication skills, problem-solving, project management, how to delegate based on strengths, time management, and working with people from diverse backgrounds. Pace’s Fellows are primed to enter the professional workforce and have the tools necessary to build community in Richmond and beyond.

MENTOR PROGRAM

Pace’s Mentorship Program helps students explore their desired career path, by connecting with professionals in the Richmond community. Pace mentors help guide students' professional and civic aspirations and enhance their networks. In 2020, more than 30% of VCU students were the first in their families to attend college and 32% qualified for Pell Grant funding. Low-income and first-generation college students obtain strong first jobs and enter graduate school at much lower rates than other students. Research shows building social capital is a key element in helping students make the most of their college education. 

The Mentorship Program relies on partnerships with local churches, Rotary clubs, and other community groups to provide mentors who have experience and networks throughout Richmond. Mentors help students access networks that might otherwise be unreachable to Pace’s significant population of first-generation and low-income students.  

STUDENT CIRCLES

Student Circles provide an intentional space for holistic care and an opportunity for students to develop a relationship with a non-student adult who they can rely upon for guidance and support as they navigate college life. Student Circles enlists the help of qualified adult volunteers who have prior training in working with students and diverse populations. These Circle leaders meet for one hour each week with a small group of dedicated students in the Pace community. 

Many VCU students fail to develop a connection with a VCU professor or advisor that they can turn to for guidance. In 2020, more than 30% of VCU students were the first in their families to attend college. Academic and socioeconomic factors, exacerbated by the pandemic, can plague students from this demographic and lead to increased dropout rates. By introducing students to a welcoming, experienced adult and a supportive peer group, Pace provides an intentional community that can be used for help and advice.

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