PACE was established in 2002 as the result of a Lilly Endowment CAPE grant won by the Community Foundation of Pulaski County. The purpose of CAPE was to provide selected counties with the ability to expand educational opportunities.

Locally, PACE activities range from preschool programs to adult education. An endowment was also established in the Community Foundation to help sustain the programs and to consider future Pulaski County educational needs. Annual grant funds are made possible through the PACE endowment.

For more information about PACE grants, visit the PACE webpage at www.cfopc.org/pace.

No. 5 - Janet Stout teaches an Excel class for the Purdue Extension Learning Network that offers education courses for residents and employees to improve personal and vocational skills. PACE recently awarded a $2,300 grant to support administrative, instructional, advertisement and technology costs for the Learning Network.

No. 4 - Rae French, Eastern Pulaski Elementary School media specialist, shares a read aloud book with the class. PACE  recently awarded $22,460 to EPES to support literacy efforts through the Accelerated Reader program, student books, instructional coaching and professional development for teachers.

No. 3 - Kindergarten readiness packs are ready to welcome new students to West Central Elementary School. PACE  awarded $13,000 to the school this spring to help improve literacy rates in multiple ways. The PACE grant will also provide student books, literacy support technology, and professional development.

No. 2 - PACE recently awarded a $10,000 grant to the Medaryville Nursery School to continue support for the MNS Scholarship Fund. The scholarships will enable qualified students to receive discounted tuition in the final year of preschool before entering kindergarten. Pictured are students learning in the classroom at Medaryville Nursery School.

No. 1 - Anita Messer, Francesville-Salem Township Library director, displays some of the books available to young readers. PACE awarded $3,398 to the library this spring to enrich its 2022 summer reading program, “Oceans of Possibilities.” Free books and educational programs will encourage reading over the summer and increase participants in the summer program.