PACE Scholarship
PACE (Partnership for Accessing College Education) is SLCC’s high school-to-college-to-career program serving six public high schools in Salt Lake County. PACE prepares students to advance to higher-paying careers essential for improving lives and sustaining Utah’s economic vitality.
For over 10 years, PACE has increased high school graduation and college participation rates among first-generation students. Since its inception, PACE has served over 900+ high school students, and that impact continues to grow.
Your support of PACE will help lift students by offering a full scholarship to those who thought attending college was just a dream. By donating to the PACE program, you are helping your community through education.
Advocate and PACE Scholar
Born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Joyce Wambuyi relocated to Zimbabwe when she was 3 years old before settling with her family in the U.S. at the age of 12. Her family established a home in Salt Lake City, Utah, and found a welcoming community. “My mom chose Utah because it was a good place to raise kids,” Joyce shared.
Being involved in school activities has always been Joyce’s
passion. While in high school, she was a member of the dance company, played
basketball, and served as vice president of the Black Student Union. However,
despite wanting to attend college, Joyce didn’t have a clear path forward after
graduating high school. Fortunately, one of her instructors encouraged her to
apply for PACE. 
“I originally wasn’t going to apply to PACE because I wasn’t sure if I was ready to fully dedicate myself to school,” said Joyce. “But when I learned I had been awarded the PACE scholarship, I couldn’t believe it! My mom is a single mom, and this scholarship provides financial relief for both of us. With PACE, I don’t have to worry about how I’m going to pay for school, I can just focus on my studies.”
At SLCC, Joyce’s passion for helping others is reflected in her involvement with various clubs, including serving as president of the SLCC Student Association.
“Many students, especially students of color, don’t have support at home to help them prepare for college,” said Joyce. “As president of the SLCC Student Association, I am passionate about giving students a voice and advocating for them at the college and in the community.”
Joyce has big plans for her future. She will earn an associate’s degree in business in May 2024 and plans to continue her education at a four-year university. “To those who have donated to PACE, you are helping those who don’t have support at home and giving them a chance at changing their lives,” said Joyce. “PACE has helped me become a better person in school and in my community. Thank you for making this impactful program possible!”