ACCESS Scholars

ACCESS Scholars represent women and individuals from all dimensions of diversity who embody the program values of excellence, leadership, and gender equity.

ACCESS provides promising scholars with a signature first-year experience that informs academic and career goals at the earliest possible stage, builds social awareness, unites a group of like-minded peers, connects first year STEM students to mentors and a network of over 800 program alumni, and yields a cohort of future undergraduate and professional leaders.

A year of ACCESS is valued at over $5000, includes a monetary award, and covers all costs associated with this first year experience.

ACCESS Scholars Mission Statement

ACCESS Welcomes Students Majoring in All STEM Disciplines

Eligibility, Selection Process, and Important Dates

More ACCESS donors

Summer

ACCESS Scholars find a cohort of support, with a like-minded peer group, mentorship from ACCESS alumni and faculty, and jump start their college experience in SCI3000 with an introduction to the STEM disciplines that is framed through contemporary research and the significant interactions between science, engineering, and society. This ACCESS exclusive course fulfills two requirements: International Requirement (IR) and Science Foundation (SF). Student success and the opportunity to survey academic and career paths are integral to this unique learning experience. No exams │ 5-week summer experience.

Fall

ACCESS workshops, socials, and mentorship continue to help students transition into university life and provide tools and support for bolstering success in STEM as a student and future professional. ACCESS Scholars are matched with a host investigator and prepared for the Spring semester research experience and how to make research a signature part of their undergraduate education.

Spring

Students participate in cutting-edge research under the guidance of a prominent scientist or engineer, giving them insight into the underpinnings of science and innovation. Discoveries are celebrated during the ACCESS Spring Research Symposium. Faculty, high school educators, family, and friends are invited to learn from the newest ACCESS alumni. A majority of ACCESS Scholars engage in multiple years of research, making this a signature part of their undergraduate education. This high impact experience often yields research publications before graduation, opportunities to present at scientific conferences, and, for some, a path into graduate or professional schools.

Research Scholar

Phi Beta Kappa

Savannah Romney

Audrey Brown

Sonia Sehgal

Goldwater Winner

Ana Rosas

Alex Acuna

Sahar Kanishka

Rachel Cantrell

ACCESS Testimonials

Student voices on the value of ACCESS.

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December 8, 2021

ACCESS Photo Gallery

A year of ACCESS in photos.

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October 27, 2021

ACCESS Scholars Brochure

Download a PDF of the ACCESS Brochure.

Matt Crawley

February 11, 2020

History of ACCESS

ACCESS was created in 1991 as a modern solution to an old problem.

Matt Crawley

January 9, 2020

ACCESS Scholars Application

ACCESS application details and requirements.

Matt Crawley

September 16, 2018

College of Science

ACCESS the Start of a Lifetime