Named by the students it serves, the PACERS (Positive Achievement and Creativity Equals Righteous Success) program is an intensive mentoring program designed to help reduce the achievement gap with students at Rock Island High School in Rock Island, Illinois. Its goal is to help students find personal, social, and academic success throughout their entire High School career (Freshman year through High School Graduation). PACERS is funded by a grant from AT&T, and facilitated by Graduate Assistants and Faculty from the Department of Counselor Education at Western Illinois University in Moline, Illinois, and the Rock Island High School Counselor. The students come from a variety of racial/ethnic groups and varying socioeconomic conditions. Collaboration is key for PACERS, as the power of the program lies in the efforts of mentors, peers, school and community. For each student, PACERS provides: School Supplies, Dress for Success, Trained Mentors, Group Meetings, Academic and Personal Support, Service Learning, Employer and College Site Visits, Leadership Training, Annual Awards Ceremony, Breakfast or Lunch at every Team Meeting.

The Arc of Rock Island County, Service Learning Project, February 2011

Christian Care Center Service Project, November 2010

Child Abuse Council Lifesaver Canister Day, May 2010

Chicago Field Trip, April 2010

Rock Island Rescue Mission Service Activity, February 2010

MLK Celebration, January 2010