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Path to Academics, Community and Employment (PACE)

Founded in 1986, P.A.C.E. at National Louis University is a post-secondary certificate program designed to meet the transitional needs for young adults with multiple intellectual, learning and developmental disabilities. The P.A.C.E. program incorporates a combination of classroom instruction and applied practice in the community to support students to:

  • Master the hard and soft skills necessary to be workforce ready
  • Develop the skills to live independently
  • Develop of age-appropriate social skills

The P.A.C.E. program comprises three certificates: Basic, Intermediate and Advanced. Each Certificate is self-contained. Students that demonstrate the competence to start at the Intermediate or Advanced level need not have completed the previous certificate(s). Students may complete one, two or all three certificates as best serves their needs.

Program Learning Outcomes

At the completion of the program, students will be able to:

PLO1. Apply and interview for competitive-wage employment in the community.

PLO2. Demonstrate the professional appearance, behavior, communication. Learning and time management capacity needed to be successful in the workplace.

PLO3. Self-advocate for the accommodations needed to be successful in the workplace.

PLO4. Maintain the physical aspect of living quarters with minimal support.

PLO5. Navigate public transportation independently.

PLO6. Maintain a healthy lifestyle and access health-care services.

PLO7. Budget and manage finances with minimal support.

PLO8. Problem solve independently in social and employment situations.

Admissions Criteria

The following criteria will be reviewed by the representatives from each key area of the program and Admission's Office will be notified of student acceptance to the program:

  • Students must be able to manage their medication regimes independently.
  • Students must be individually motivated to participate in all program activities.
  • Students and their families must be comfortable with the student engaging in independent transportation and activity in the Chicago loop.
  • Student must have the stamina to complete a minimum of 6 hours per weekday of classes or internship as well as several hours of self-study or applied practice each day.
  • Interview with the student and parents.
  • Review of supporting documents:
    • High-school IEP
    • Recent neuropsychological/functional report
    • Three non-family letters of reference

Program Details:

  • Requires a minimum of 45 quarter hours for completion
  • Requires a minimum grade of "C" or better in all coursework
  • Requires a minimum GPA of 2.0 for graduation 

Basic PACE Certificate

Intermediate PACE Certificate 

Advanced PACE Certificate