Finding Their Pace: Helping Teens Discover Purpose Beyond High School

As high school graduation approaches, many teens are faced with an overwhelming question: What comes next? For most, this moment marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, but navigating the uncertainty of life after high school can be a daunting challenge. The Southeast Pace Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping students not only figure out what they want to do after graduation but more importantly find purpose and direction in their lives.

Founded in 2024 by a business leader in the Santa Rosa community; The Southeast Pace Foundation was created out of a desire to bridge the gap between high school and the "real world." Tim O’Hara, the founder of the Southeast Pace Foundation explains his reasoning behind founding the organization “I became successful later in life. If I had someone in my teens invest in me, show me the options I had, and help me with the resources to equip myself with the necessary tools, that success would have come much earlier.” Pace, which stands for Purpose, Ambition, Character, and Education aims to solve this problem by providing high school students with the tools, mentorship, and resources they need to find that purpose and work to fulfill it. A lack of clarity in one’s purpose doesn't only affect those entering college—it impacts those entering the workforce, vocational training programs, or simply trying to navigate adult life in an uncertain world.

The Southeast Pace Foundation is run by Executive Director Josh O’Hara. Josh is a former teacher with 14 years of experience in the classroom serving in Title I, low-income schools. Every day he saw students who had potential, perseverance, and drive but lacked direction and the resources to build on the intangible qualities they possessed. According to Josh “There are so many students who have the potential and ambition to be successful. They just don’t know where to be successful or how to get there. And many times when they figure it out they either don’t have the resources to pursue what they want or they feel they’ve lost too much valuable time.” 

Tim and Josh, as well as the foundation’s board, saw a need. There are too many students who have talent and ambition but aren't sure where to direct it. The foundation wants to make sure that students know college isn’t the only avenue for success after high school. There is a major demand for skilled trade workers. Many times students just need to be connected to those opportunities and provided a chance to take that first step towards success. 

Beyond career exploration, The Pace Foundation is dedicated to helping students cultivate a deeper sense of purpose. As part of its mission, the organization encourages teens to reflect on their values, passions, and long-term goals. The organization’s ultimate goal for students is to become flourishing and thriving members of society. This year the Southeast Pace Foundation recognized and awarded a scholarship to a student who donated her time and efforts to helping others. The scholarship was created to go to the dependent child of a first responder; it was awarded to Takara Aguilar, a young lady who volunteered at a local hospital, kept a 4.0 GPA, and wanted to study to become a doctor. Students like Takara are who The Pace Foundation wants to recognize and help, those are the type of young adults that need to be built up for the next generation of leaders in our communities. The foundation also funded a literacy program for a small school group in Northeast Georgia by purchasing class sets of books and reading materials. 

While the impact on individual students is clear, The Pace Foundation is also making a broader impact on the community. The program works with a diverse group of students, including those from underserved backgrounds, and its success is helping to close the achievement gap. One of the foundation’s partnerships is a vocational school that equips students in multiple skill and trade areas. Buying equipment for welding and mechanic shops at the high school allows students to get hands-on education and training before moving on to a technical school to receive certification. By providing resources and mentorship that many students wouldn’t otherwise have access to, the organization is helping to level the playing field and create more opportunities for all.

Looking ahead, The Pace Foundation plans to expand its reach by partnering with more schools and community organizations across the southeast United States. With a growing network of mentors, partners, and supporters, the organization is poised to continue helping teens not just find their next steps, but also discover a deeper sense of purpose in their lives.

If you would like to read more about The Southeast Pace Foundation or help support their mission visit www.pacefoundation.us. You can also follow them on social media.

Facebook: The Southeast PACE Foundation

Instagram: @pacefoundatn

X/Twitter: @PACEFoundatn