By Staff Writer - June 26, 2024

Jackie Byrd's journey with UCSB PaCE began in the most unexpected way. One evening, while idly scrolling through Instagram, a sponsored ad for the GROW program appeared on her feed. Jackie had been tirelessly searching for an affordable digital marketing certificate program but was discouraged by the hefty costs. The GROW program's promise of an 80% discount for Kern County residents felt like a beacon of hope. Intrigued, she decided to give it a shot.

Enrolling in the GROW program was a step into the unknown. The requirement to enroll over the phone seemed tedious at first, but the PaCE staff at UCSB proved to be nothing short of exceptional. Jackie found herself pleasantly surprised by how seamless and supportive the entire process was. "The PaCE staff made the process seamless and provided excellent customer service every time," she recalled. This initial experience set a positive tone for the enriching educational journey that lay ahead.

As Jackie dove into her courses, she was struck by the quality of instruction she received. She had completed three required classes and was just beginning her fourth and final one to earn her digital marketing certificate. Reflecting on her classes, Jackie marveled at the depth of knowledge and passion her professors brought to the table. “The courses I have taken through PaCE have more quality than many of the classes I took as an undergrad,” she wondered. Her professors were not only accomplished professionals in their fields but also deeply passionate about teaching. “This is not just a job for them; it's a calling,” she added, feeling a profound sense of gratitude for their dedication and expertise.

The impact of her PaCE education extended far beyond the classroom. Jackie had long dreamed of launching a paid local digital marketing internship in Bakersfield, where opportunities in marketing and communications were scarce. With the support of her current employer, who shared her vision of investing in local talent, Jackie’s dream was about to become a reality. Drawing from the wealth of knowledge and skills she gained through PaCE, she successfully launched her Digital Marketing Externship program. “We received so many applications from local talent!” she exclaimed. Jackie hired two eager and talented Digital Marketing Externs, providing them with an invaluable learning experience enriched by her newfound expertise. “The knowledge I gained from my professors through this program pushed me to a level that undoubtedly, is making my externship much more valuable than it would have been had I not gone through the Digital Marketing program at PaCE.”

PaCE also prepared Jackie for her future academic pursuits. She discovered how much time she could realistically devote to school while working full-time, a crucial insight that would help her find the right MBA program. “All in all, this program has been amazing, and I look forward to completing my certificate in ten weeks,” she shared, her excitement and gratitude palpable.

Jackie's journey with UCSB PaCE and the GROW program had transformed her life. It had provided her with financial support, high-quality education, and the confidence to pursue her career goals. As she looked forward to completing her certificate and continuing to make strides in her career and academic journey, Jackie was thankful for the opportunities that PaCE had afforded her. “Thank you for offering this amazing program and experience,” she concluded, her heart full of gratitude and her future bright with possibilities.

The GROW program is a unique initiative designed to help residents of North Santa Barbara County, San Luis Obispo, and Kern County upskill and advance their professional journeys. This collaboration between UCSB PaCE and the University of California Office of the President, supported by a grant from the State of California, offers deeply discounted professional training and degree progression opportunities. For those looking to take their careers to the next level, the GROW program is an invaluable resource, ready to support their aspirations just as it had supported Jackie’s.
 

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