Setting the PACE
- Jodi Brunner
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
By Mallory Leonard • Photos Supplied
Peru Central School District’s PACE Program is leading the way for exploration and education in all things career related. The program has something for every student’s interests and involves a wide array of North Country businesses and employers, bringing community and education together in a unique way. I recently had the opportunity to speak with Rachel Ribis, PACE Program Director, who walked me through the accomplishments of the program since its inception in 2021.
Funded by a five-year competitive grant through a New York State Extended School Day/School Violence Prevention grant (ESD/SVP), the Peru After-School Career Exploration Program (PACE) focuses on three major goals for students in grades 4-12. These include increasing students’ core academic knowledge and skills, improving key behaviors and attitudes (attendance, engagement and aspirations) and fostering career-specific knowledge and skills. Students work independently and with each other, forcing them to solve problems, collaborate and communicate. “We launched a program that is not just after-school activities, but truly career exploration and enrichment,” Ribis said. “We get to see students discover pieces of themselves they didn’t know were there. Seeing that spark of ‘I didn’t know I could do this’ is the most fulfilling part of our work.”
Program offerings have encompassed a variety of enrichment activities including podcasting, screenwriting, sign language, intro to electricity, STEM experiments, beekeeping, marine education, crime scene investigation/forensics, fishing, the school newspaper, gardening, plyometrics, astronomy, a Clinton County history tour, money and me financial planning, camping and outdoor skills, and even the Nighthawk Swiftie Society.
During the 2023-2024 school year, students built a 16-foot wooden paddle boat board by board and, not only was it beautiful, but it was seaworthy. As point of pride, the boat is now on display at the Babbie Rural Farm for all to see. Students also engage in out-of-school activities designed around career clusters such as Computer Technology and Communications; Environmental Conservation and Agriculture; Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering; and Education, Health, and Human Services. The emphasis on career pathways and skill development helps ready students for the workforce by aligning with expanding sectors of employment in the North Country.
Student interest and staff availability are two challenges Ribis must carefully navigate. “The program wouldn’t be what it is without the staff,” she emphasized. Site Supervisors Tricia Thurber, Tiffany Berry, and Beth-Ann Lozier handle the coordination of day-to-day operations with the students and program implementation, while Ribis focuses on the big picture and program oversight. “Our PACE staff truly deserve the credit for the success of each day,” Ribis said.
Staff who work with the program share their passions with the students through activities in robotics, theatre tech, culinary arts, and outdoor leadership to name a few. Offerings include a variety across all disciplines, making sure all students can find something they enjoy or would like to learn more about.
The program began with six staff involved in 2021, working to build an infrastructure that was “engaging for adults, students and parents,” Ribis recalled. “PACE was built with strong data and a strong purpose from the start.” Now, in 2025 the program has grown to include 75 individuals on a rotating basis as well as student mentors from SUNY Plattsburgh. Ribis highlighted, “The success of the program is the partnerships that have formed with businesses, community organizations and cultural institutions across the region. Peru runs a community-building movement.”
In the spring, PACE holds an annual career fair at Peru High School, inviting the community businesses to showcase the careers available in our area. The event is interactive, and students in grades 4-12 have a chance to speak with representatives to learn what they do. Business reps bring interactive items, activities, conduct demonstrations and, occasionally, have even been accompanied by animals that play a role in their operation.
The 2025 career fair featured an impressive 52 unique businesses and organizations from our area. First responders, military recruiters, several federal, state, and county organizations were in attendance. Financial institutions, staffing agencies, and educational programs all had tables, as well as manufacturers, healthcare, and technology companies. Notably, many local, independently owned and non-profit businesses and organizations were also represented.
To offer guidance and encourage confidence, students were supplied with suggested questions for the businesses, including, “Looking back to your school years, what do you think was beneficial to your field of study?” “Why did you choose your career?” and “If you were hiring for your job, what qualities would be most important in a candidate?”
To learn about student response to PACE, I spoke with Emery Cross, a 7th grader who is participating for her second year. When asked about her favorite experience, she laughed and said, “Oh, that’s a hard one!” After pausing to consider her response, Cross said, “I really liked the cooking class. I learned a lot, and it helped me at home. I also made ice cream in a bag during Science You Can Eat. I got brain freeze, but it was so good!”
Cross also mentioned making her own children’s book during one session and a lavender weaving experience she enjoyed. “We went to a field, picked our lavender and learned to weave a wand with ribbon.” Cross’ mother came to the school and taught a Zumba-exercise class to a group. Thurber offered, “Even the students who may not usually participate in something like that were up and moving.”
When asked why employers should choose to hire a PACE program participant for their company, Cross said, “Experience and knowledge. We are learning so much and doing it all.”
When asked what makes Peru’s program unique, Ribis pointed out, “PACE is intentionally relationship centered. It is not just enrichment activities —it is mentorship, confidence building and it offers students non-traditional spaces where everyone can feel successful at something. It’s not just an after-school program, it’s so much more.
Peru’s students who participate have demonstrated higher engagement and connectedness, improved attendance and academic performance with PACE tutoring, self-advocacy, social skills, and leadership growth. There has also been a notable increase in the exploration of CV-TEC’s dual enrollment programs.”
Ribis goal is to see the PACE program continue beyond the current grant cycle and is hard at work in preparation of its next phase. “PACE is not just about career exposure — it’s about helping students believe they have a place in our community and a future worth investing in,” she concluded.
Peru After-School Career Exploration Program (PACE)
Peru Central School District
17 School Street
Peru, NY 12972
518-643-6000
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