About PAX Learning Center

Empowering our community through education since 2018

Our Story

How It Started (2018)

PAX Learning Center began in 2018 with a shared observation. Paul Vasquez, a college professor with 17 years in the classroom, and Alex Herrboldt, a program manager from Clark College's tutoring center, kept meeting capable adults who wanted to move forward but couldn't make traditional programs fit their lives.

Work schedules, childcare, transportation, and cost were getting in the way, not ability.

With one classroom and a small group of volunteer tutors, they built a different kind of program, one designed around real life. From the beginning, the focus was simple: meet students where they are and give them the consistent, personal support that makes progress possible.

Where We Are Today

PAX now serves more than 1,500 students across Clark County and operates from its home at the Clark College Columbia Tech Center campus. Our small group model, with a 3 to 1 student to tutor ratio, keeps instruction personal and relationship-driven.

We offer GED and Spanish GED classes in the afternoon and evening, along with satellite classrooms throughout the community so students can learn closer to home. Partnerships with local organizations, churches, libraries, and businesses help us stay connected to the neighborhoods we serve and remove barriers that would otherwise keep people out.

Demand continues to grow, with more than 50 students currently on the waitlist. Our next step is expanding from two classes to four so we can serve more students without losing the level of support that defines PAX.

Looking Ahead

Our immediate goal is to grow our class capacity at Columbia Tech Center and strengthen our scholarship program so cost is never the reason someone has to walk away.

Long term, we are working toward the PAX HUB, a dedicated space for adult learners that would bring classrooms, on-site GED testing, career support, job skills training, and family resources together in one place. The vision is a single, welcoming center where students can move from education to employment with the guidance and stability they need.

As we grow, our direction stays the same. Every new class, partnership, and program is built to remove obstacles and create real, practical pathways forward for adult learners in our community.

Our Mission

To provide personalized education that empowers youth and adults without a high school diploma to achieve their academic and career goals.

Our Values

We believe in accessible education, individual support, community partnership, and the potential of every student to succeed.

Our Impact

Over 1,500 GED students enrolled, with 62% graduation rate. 848 students referred to postsecondary education, employment, or workforce development.

PAX Leadership

Dedicated professionals committed to student success

Alex Herrboldt

Co-Founder & Executive Director

Former program manager for Clark College and effective leader committed to each student's success.

Paul Vasquez

Co-Founder & Development Director

17 years of teaching experience working with people from around the world, deeply committed to student outcomes.

Christy Wilkens

Board President

Connected to PAX through NEXT Success, with a background in corporate operations, environmental science, marketing, and teaching.

Viktor Semenyuk

Board Vice President

Software engineer who believes discipline and drive can overcome any challenge. Supports Ukrainian developers and appreciates PAX's personalized approach.

Anna Petrey

Board Secretary

Works in clinical research at OHSU with connections in behavioral health and recovery communities, dedicated to increasing access to education.

Caroline Adams

Board Treasurer

Over 15 years in program and project management with international organizations. Proud to support Vancouver's migrant community.

Alek Koppes

Board Member

Human capital consultant from Columbus, Ohio, bringing strategy and organizational infrastructure experience to expand access for non-traditional students.