ACCESS the Start of a Lifetime
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 science 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 $4000, includes a monetary award, and covers all costs associated with this first year experience.
Applications for 2023-2024 are due March 13, 2023. View application tips here!
Questions about ACCESS Scholars or the application process? Email ACCESS Program Manager, Sam Shaw, at sam.shaw@utah.edu.
ACCESS works for the students of today and the workforce of tomorrow with a vision of excellence, and greater inclusion, diversity, and accessibility across STEM fields.
ACCESS, established 1991, has a long history of supporting the success of women in science and mathematics. Today, we welcome students from all dimensions of diversity who are committed to advancing gender equity in the STEM fields with the goal of preparing the next generation of exceptional thinkers and future leaders for success in their science education, and later careers.
ACCESS Scholars is a signature program of the University of Utah College of Science and helps to inform students' academic and professional goals at the earliest possible stage in their undergraduate education.
Eligible Majors:
- Applied Mathematics
- Atmospheric Science
- Biology
- Biology Teaching
- Biochemistry
- Chemistry
- Chemistry Teaching
- Earth Science Teaching
- Geoscience
- Geological Engineering
- Mathematics
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Physics
- Physics Teaching
First year students (freshmen and college transfers who will start at the U in Fall 2023), who are interested in majoring in a STEM discipline, are encouraged to apply.
A team of STEM faculty and administrators evaluates each applicant using a holistic review process that considers application essays, extracurricular experiences, high school course load and rigor, a letter of recommendation, and GPA.
Important Dates
- 2023 Applications accepted: December 1, 2022 - March 1, 2023
- Offers and alternates notified: Last week of March 2023
- Acceptances due: May 1, 2023
- Summer program: June 17, 2023 - June 30, 2023
ACCESS Scholars is made possible by many generous corporate and individual donors. Special thanks to
- Anonymous
- Jessica and Timothy Purcell
- Cecelia Foxley and Stacy Firth
- Anita Orendt
- Tanya and Neil Vickers
- Christy Warby
- Elizabeth Dranow
- and many other generous donors
A Year of ACCESS
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 during the summer before their first year at the U. Students get to spend two weeks on campus during an intensive summer experience that provides an introduction to all of the science disciplines on campus through hands-on experiences. Student success and the opportunity to survey academic and career paths are integral to this unique learning experience.

Fall
ACCESS workshops, socials, and mentorship continue to help students transition into university life and provide tools and support for bolstering success in science as a student and future professional. ACCESS Scholars are trained on college-level research in SCI 1500 (a 1-credit course). They prepare for the spring semester experience and learn 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, 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.

PAST RESEARCH SYMPOSIA
ACCESS Leadership

Pearl Sandick, Ph.D.
ACCESS Co-DirectorPearl Sandick, Ph.D.
ACCESS Co-Directorsandick@physics.utah.edu
1390 Presidents Circle
Crocker Science Center, Room 214

Vahe Bandarian, Ph.D.
ACCESS Co-DirectorVahe Bandarian, Ph.D.
ACCESS Co-Director1390 Presidents Circle
Crocker Science Center, Room 214

Sam Shaw
ACCESS Program ManagerSam Shaw
ACCESS Program Managershaw@science.utah.edu
1390 Presidents Circle
Crocker Science Center, Room 214