PACER Center

06/16/2026

PACER Center's Interim Executive Director Gretchen Godfrey issued a statement in response to the U.S. Department of Education (ED) transferring special education and vocational rehabilitation programs and oversight of these programs from the Education Department to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Read the full statement at pacer.org/press-release/pacer-statement-on-osers-move

While PACER is closely following these issues, please remember that special education laws and policies remain intact. If you are a Minnesota parent of a child with a disability needing support, please contact us at pacer.org/ask-an-advocate/

06/08/2026

Research shows that LGBTQ+ youth and LGBTQ+ youth with disabilities face disproportionately higher rates of bullying and harassment than their peers. PACER stands with and supports the LGBTQ+ community in recognition of Pride Month.

06/05/2026

Teens and young adults (age 14-22) who have a history of epilepsy or seizures are invited to join PACER and the University of Minnesota for a new project that seeks to use a new model to make navigating the transition to adulthood easier. Participants will meet with a Transition Navigator to talk about their goals, complete surveys, and attend follow-up meetings. They will also receive a gift card for their time in the project. If interested, please complete this survey by Tuesday, June 30: https://umn.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0HvV1YRJCdMaklw

For more information, contact [email protected] or view the flyer athttps://media.pacer.org/External-resources/HRSA_study.pdf

06/04/2026

Come visit PACER at the T.C. Gemini game this Sunday, June 7 for their Deaf & Disability Awareness match!

Come out to TCO this Sunday for our Deaf & Disability Awareness match, featuring:
•Live captioning on the big screen for the first time ever
•A temporary tattoo and poster-making station
•Game ball presentation by Ryan Engelby, USA Wheelchair Rugby Player & Coach
•Live anthem performance by the and Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf
•See the WPGA Championship Trophy
•Du Nord Spirits tasting
•Post-game autographs with players
•Post-game social at

Tickets available at link in bio!

06/04/2026

As the school year comes to a close, some bullying situations may ease. However, bullying can also occur in the online world, which is referred to as “cyberbullying," and can happen any time there is online social interaction. Learn more about the common characteristics of cyberbullying and explore more resources on the subject at pacer.org/cyberbullying

06/03/2026

The PACER Center Board of Directors is thrilled to announce that Heather Powell has been selected as the organization’s next Executive Director. Prior to PACER, Heather served as the Chief Executive Officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County in Bellingham, Washington. She brings 15 years of executive nonprofit leadership experience to PACER, including proven skills in fundraising, growth, and donor engagement. “PACER’s board sought an individual who could build on PACER’s strong foundation and expand what’s possible for the organization. We’re confident that Heather will do an excellent job guiding PACER into its next chapter and look forward to welcoming her into our PACER community,” said PACER Board President Alison Bakken. Heather will start her tenure at PACER on June 22. View the full announcement at pacer.org/press-release/heather-powell

06/02/2026

Explore color-changing chemistry with Tech for Teens and find tech tools for job success during PACER's June workshops! View all upcoming workshops and register today at pacer.org/workshops.

Don't forget to update your email preferences and subscribe to our workshops newsletter for a current list of what we're offering twice a month, straight to your inbox. Sign up at pacer.org/newsletters

05/27/2026

📣 Calling all Minnesota girls and gender-expansive youth with disabilities entering 6th through 8th grade! 📣

Get ready to dream big and explore boldly at PACER Center’s 2026 EXITE Camp, happening August 3-7! Campers will jump into exciting hands-on STEM activities, build new friendships, and discover new interests in a safe and inclusive environment. Best of all? This incredible camp is completely FREE! Learn more and apply at pacer.org/assistive-technology/exite-camp

Camper applications are due May 31, 2026. Don’t miss the chance to be part of an unforgettable week of STEM exploration and fun at PACER!

A special thank you to our camp presenters and sponsors!
Sponsors:
3M, Best Buy, C.H. Robinson, CenterPoint Energy Foundation, Donaldson Foundation, Fred C. & Katherine B. Andersen Foundation, H.B. Fuller Company, JKMS Williams Family Foundation, Margaret Rivers, The Rotary Club of Minneapolis, Xcel Energy
Presenters/Camp Activities:
3M, Best Buy, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Ann Motl, Wold Architects and Engineers, Medtronic, Xcel Energy

05/26/2026

Save the date for Unity Day 2026! Mark your calendars for Wednesday, October 21 and join us in wearing and sharing the color orange. This vibrant statement helps spread a message of kindness, acceptance, and inclusion to prevent bullying in our schools and communities. Stay tuned for poster and t-shirt sales opening later this summer!

05/25/2026

PACER Center is closed today, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day.