ProjectPACE Information

ProjectPACE is a virtual safe space for young people to discuss uncomfortable topics surrounding violent extremism. By providing tailored educational content, ProjectPACE equips our audience with the tools they need to challenge misinformation. Recognized as the runner-up for the Peer to Peer: Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) competition sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security and Facebook, ProjectPACE placed 2nd in the domestic competition during the Spring 2017 competition season. ProjectPACE provides an innovative approach to countering the spread of violent extremism and misinformation by providing tailored educational content based on an individual's knowledge base. As each person has a different understanding of violent extremism and terrorism, a "one-size fits all" model would be unsuccessful in being both a time & cost effective answer to counter-extremist education. ProjectPACE has taken the guess work out of "google-ing" for an answer. With articles written by Criminal Justice students at the UMass Lowell, each article provides a "no-spin" take on each topic. Based off of our initial survey of over 450 individuals between the ages of 13 and 25, we asked "What is one question about violent extremism or terrorism that you would be afraid to ask in public?" These responses make up the content of our website, as we then individually researched and answered each relevant question and uploaded them to our website. To receive tailored educational content, sign up using our anonymous, internal log-in system and take the "test your knowledge" quiz. Depending on the questions you are unable to answer correctly, you will be provided personalized content based on the topic areas where you don't have a strong knowledge base in CVE and misinformation. To inspire individuals to take control of their own education, ProjectPACE is in the process of being updated so it can grow with its user's as their knowledge and understanding matures over time.