ACCESS Scholars | College of Science

The College of Science ACCESS Scholars is a first-year community, research and scholarship program committed to advancing gender equity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines.

What does the ACCESS Scholars Program offer?

The ACCESS Scholars Program provides incoming students with a signature first-year experience that helps identify academic and career goals, builds social awareness, develops leadership skills, creates community, connects students to mentors and a network of over 800 program alumni, and yields a cohort of future leaders in science.

A year of ACCESS is valued at over $4,000, includes a monetary award, and covers all costs associated with this first-year opportunity.

ACCESS Scholars Mission Statement

ACCESS Welcomes Students Majoring in All Science Disciplines

Eligibility, Selection Process, and Important Dates

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.