PACE

Your Gateway to STEM Success

The Pre-Freshman Accelerated Curriculum in Engineering (PACE) program is a five-week, semi-immersive virtual learning experience designed to set students on the path to success in STEM fields. The program’s primary focus is to enhance students’ skills in mathematics, computer science, physics, and chemistry. Using cutting-edge tools like the OpenSimulator 3D application server and the versatile Moodle learning management system, PACE provides a dynamic, interactive learning environment. PACE leverages tools like ALEKS, a research-based, online learning program that offers additional courses in STEM subjects and more. We have also recently added a custom virtual learning environment developed in Unity. Our demo application can be viewed here.

The program is designed to give students a significant advantage in both academic and personal development. We provide a totally remote online learning experience. Academically, the program reinforces subject matter that will increase the probability of a successful freshman year in a STEM based major. Participants will take daily, self-paced courses, covering a wide range of academic subjects. Online tutoring sessions and opportunities to collaborate with peers will also be provided. Experienced mentors with STEM backgrounds and careers will share their experiences via online sessions. Also, students will take part in a research rotation and participate in a science symposium. This program also allows students to gain insight to what college life is like, as well as opportunities to bond with instructors, tutors, and peers.

Key Features of PACE:

  • Courses in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (Pre-Calculus/Calculus), English, and Computer Science to strengthen academic fundamentals.
  • Online learning modules tailored to reinforce key concepts for a successful college freshman year.
  • A collaborative virtual environment to conduct experiments, analyze data, and improve team collaboration skills.

Program Objectives:

  1. Prepare students for University Placement Test‘s.
  2. Help students achieve proficiency in pre-calculus and readiness for calculus coursework.
  3. Encourage hands-on experimentation and critical analysis.
  4. Improve communication skills—both written and oral.
  5. Instill effective study habits, strategies, and time management for success in an engineering major.
  6. Enhance higher-order thinking skills, including analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.
  7. Teach students to draw sound inferences from observations.
  8. Foster teamwork and collaborative learning.

If you’re ready to take your first step toward a STEM career, join our contact list by sharing your name and email through the form on our Contact page.

Requirements:

  • The Summer 2025 PACE program is scheduled from June 16, 2025 – July 18, 2025. The online application process will open April 2025. The deadline to complete the online application is June 2, 2025. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance status by June 9, 2025. The application process will be fully online. NO PAPER MATERIALS WILL BE ACCEPTED!
  • Demographic information will be collected from each applicant. The requested information will include name, address, citizenship status and contact information along with a name and telephone number of an emergency contact. Additionally, applicants will be asked to provide high school information to include GPA and standardized test scores (SAT/ACT).
  • Applicants will be required to provide a photo. Photos only need to be a headshot and may be in PNG, GIF or JPG format. The maximum resolution of the photo should be no more than 700 pixels by 700 pixels. The maximum file size of the photo should be no more than 1 MB. Light-colored, solid backgrounds are recommended. Once submitted, the applicant agrees and grants permission for the image to be used in the advertisement of future ATMO and/or PACE-related events.
  • Applicants are asked to submit a short essay explaining why they would like to participate in the PACE program. The final document should be in PDF format only and should not exceed a file size of 5 MB.
  • Applicants are asked to submit two recommendation letters. It is required that one of the letters must be from an educator at the applicant’s high school. The submitted document should be in PDF format only and should not exceed a file size of 5 MB.
  • Applicants are asked to submit an unofficial copy of their high school transcript that includes classes taken through December 2024. The final document should be in PDF format only and should not exceed a file size of 5 MB.
  • If available, applicants are asked to submit up to 3 sets of standardized scores. These scores are results from ACT or SAT tests. Only the test scores are necessary and no document is required. The scores can be entered into the online application form directly.
  • The 2025 PACE Program has a program fee and a $50 non-refundable application fee. When the program fee has been finalized, it will be posted here along with a payment link.