Last week, 21 “up-and-coming” community leaders celebrated their graduation from the People’s Academy for Community Engagement (PACE), a program of Seattle Department of Neighborhoods. These emerging leaders went through the nine-month program to gain skills in leadership, community involvement, and civic engagement. Director Kathy Nyland attended the graduation event at Seattle City Hall along with family members, community leaders, and city staff.

The graduating participants represent all sectors of the city and more than half are from historically underrepresented communities. In addition to attending sessions held at Seattle University, the PACE graduates had monthly homework assignments and put their skills to the test as they worked collaboratively on community-based projects, which were presented at the celebration. “We are better community leaders due to the amazing facilitators that went the extra mile for us during our over 27 hours in class,” said Patrick Jones, a PACE graduate.

PACE is now offered three times a year. The Fall 2016 session began September 27. The Winter 2017 session will begin January 21, 2017. More information and an official application for the winter session will be available in early December. To learn more, contact Hilary Nichols at 206.684.5667 or visit our webpage.

Congratulations to the 2016 PACE Graduating Class: