Make a difference in a girls’ life today

Volunteer opportunities range from providing ongoing services to serving the needs of individual centers in mentoring, fundraising, special projects, event planning and serving on committees or boards. Group volunteer projects may also be available in your area.

SURVEY: Is Volunteering with Girls at a Pace Location Right for You?

In order to protect the safety of our girls Pace maintains certain requirements to volunteer with our girls at a Pace location. Take this short survey to see if volunteering with girls at a Pace location would be a good fit for you. Pace also provides several other opportunities to volunteer and support our girls.

Pace is a highly specialized academic program that operates year-round and during regular school hours. If you wish to volunteer at a local Pace center on a regular basis, you must be available to volunteer your time between the hours of 8:00am and 3:00pm. Are you prepared to commit to a minimum of 10 hours per month depending on the needs of the center?

Our program model provides a full range of academic and social services to at-risk girls between the ages of 11 and 17 and each one of our girls has a story and reason for being at Pace. Are you comfortable working with and around a diverse staff and student population?

Depending on your volunteer role at Pace, you may be required to take on-line training courses through the Department of Juvenile Justice. In addition, you may also be required to take a CPR class. Will you commit to taking and completing the courses within the timeframe given and to pay for CPR training, if requested?

All interns and most volunteers are required to undergo fingerprinting and a Level II background screen. If required, are you willing to be fingerprinted and background screened and do you agree to pay the costs incurred at approximately $62 for the background screen, if requested?

What is Pace Center for Girls?

Pace Center for Girls is a specialized, year-round, academic day program serving at-risk teenage girls. We have been recognized as one of the most effective programs in the country for keeping girls from entering the juvenile justice system.

Who can volunteer at Pace?

Anyone over the age of 18 can become a Volunteer with Pace. We have 21 Centers across Florida and opportunities to participate as an intern as well as various volunteer options.

I am interested in becoming a volunteer. What do I do next?

You can complete our short survey to see if you meet our initial criteria required for volunteering. If you meet the requirements you can complete our interest form and someone from the Center will reach out to you shortly.

Are there other ways to help support Pace if I am unable to volunteer?

Yes, there are several options in which you can become a Community Partner with Pace. Simply follow the links to explore the many ways in which you can become a part of the Pace success story.

I am interested in Interning at Pace. What do I do next?

If you are looking for an internship opportunity contact your school advisor.

What types of intern positions are available at Pace and does it satisfy internship requirements for my schooling?

Contact your school advisor for further information.

Will I get training before I start?

Yes, you will receive guidance and training specific to the type of volunteer or intern position you fill.

What can I expect after I submit an on-line application?

Once you complete an application you will receive an email confirmation. The Center will review your application and, if space is available, you will be contacted by the center for further action.

Can I submit an application in person?

Because of COVID-19, our Centers are temporarily closed to guests to protect our girls and staff. However, you can call or email the center of choice to discuss the possibility of becoming a Pace volunteer. Go to Pacecenter.org and click on Locations to find the contact information.

Will I be required to have a Background check?

At Pace, the safety and security of our girls is of the utmost importance. Any volunteer or intern position that has contact with our students or will be on school property during the school day is required to be fingerprinted and background screened. In addition, depending on the type of volunteer you are categorized as, you may be required to take a series of video training courses as well as a CPR/First Aid/AED course. Support and Special Event Volunteers are not required to submit fingerprints or have a background screen.

I have already had a previous background check and training courses through previous employment or volunteerism. Will I be required to retake training or have another background screening?

You will be required to retake a background screen, regardless of where or how old your current one is. If you have previously taken training courses offered through the Department of Juvenile Justice’s SkillPro system, you are not required to retake those, with the exception of two courses that do require periodic renewals.

I only want to volunteer at special events. Is this possible?

Each Pace location has its own unique volunteer needs. It is best to talk with the local Pace Center.

Does it cost anything to become a volunteer?

With the exception of Support volunteers (Special Events), every volunteer and intern are required to be fingerprinted and background screened. In addition, CPR certification is required. Unless previously stated by the Center, the cost of the background screen and CPR course is the responsibility of the applicant.

Do I have to commit a certain amount of time each week?

Yes, we ask that you are prepared to volunteer a minimum of 10 hours per month. The Center, as much as possible, will work around your availability. Each Center has different needs at different times so it’s best to talk it over with staff at the center of your choice.

Can I specify a specific Pace center that I would like to work at?

Yes, you must designate a Center of your choice when you complete your application.

How long does the process take before I am able to start volunteering?

The on-boarding process can take up to one month.