In Collier County, one organization has spent decades quietly transforming the lives of young women who might otherwise fall through the cracks. Pace Center for Girls Collier at Immokalee provides education, counseling, and life-skills training for girls facing serious challenges, offering them a safe environment and a second chance at success.
Founded in 1985 in Jacksonville by educator and advocate Vicki Burke, Pace began with just 10 girls and a simple but powerful idea: that girls entering the juvenile justice system often needed support and understanding rather than punishment. The organization was built on the belief that many girls struggling in school or at home have experienced trauma, instability, or difficult circumstances, and that targeted intervention can change the course of their lives. Over the past four decades, the program has grown into a nationally recognized model serving more than 3,000 girls annually in communities across the Southeast.
In Collier County, Pace operates programs serving both middle and high school girls who may be at risk of dropping out, becoming involved in the juvenile justice system, or facing other barriers to success. The Immokalee program first opened in 1998 to provide year-round services designed to prevent delinquency, substance abuse, and other challenges that can derail a young person’s future.
Unlike traditional schools or disciplinary programs, Pace uses a holistic, girl-centered approach that addresses both academic and emotional needs. Girls enrolled in the program participate in a full academic school day combined with counseling, life-skills education, and personal development programs. The goal is not only to help students catch up academically, but also to build confidence, resilience, and healthy relationships.
Small class sizes and individualized learning plans allow educators to meet each student where she is academically. At the same time, licensed counselors work with students to address trauma, mental health challenges, and family issues that often contribute to academic struggles. Through mentoring, leadership development, and career exploration, Pace helps girls discover their strengths and envision a positive future.
The impact of this approach has been significant. Studies of the Pace model show strong outcomes in both education and public safety. A large majority of participants improve academically while enrolled, and many avoid further involvement in the justice system after completing the program. In fact, research has shown that roughly 95 percent of girls remain crime-free one year after finishing Pace programming.
Beyond academics and counseling, Pace also emphasizes leadership and community engagement. Students participate in service projects, career readiness training, and opportunities to develop their voice as young leaders. These experiences help them transition successfully back into traditional schools, higher education, or the workforce.
The organization’s impact extends beyond individual students to the broader community. By keeping girls in school and providing early intervention, Pace helps reduce juvenile justice involvement, improve graduation rates, and strengthen families. National organizations and public agencies have recognized Pace as one of the country’s most effective gender-responsive programs for at-risk youth.
In Collier County, community support has played a key role in sustaining the program. Local businesses, philanthropic organizations, and volunteers regularly partner with Pace through mentoring programs and fundraising events. This year's 'Believe in Girls' Empowerment Luncheon held at Ritz Tiburon in February raised nearly $200k to expand educational and counseling services for local girls.
Ultimately, the mission of Pace Center for Girls is simple but powerful: to create a world where every girl is safe, has economic opportunity, and can shape her own future. Through education, counseling, and unwavering support, the organization helps young women discover their potential and build lives defined by confidence, independence, and hope.
For many girls in Collier, and throughout Southwest Florida, Pace is more than a program—it is a turning point that changes the trajectory of their lives.
Visit https://www.pacecenter.org/locations/florida/collier-at-immokalee to support their initiatives today, such as giving to the Pat Barton Scholarship Fund; and attending future fundraisers, such as Crazy Pants fashion show in November!
“Pace opens doors for young women who may not always see the possibilities ahead of them. Combining education with mentorship and emotional support gives girls the tools to change the trajectory of their lives.”