About Us

Mission Statement

The ACCESS College Foundation will help students in the public schools of South Hampton Roads go to college:

• by inspiring the hope that a college education is attainable;
  
• by supporting them in achieving the requirements for college acceptance;
  
• by guiding them through the college application process; and
  
• by assisting them in gaining the funds to attend college.

Overview

The full range of programs and services offered by ACCESS are available free of charge to all public high school students and parents in South Hampton Roads:

Early Awareness - Presentations to middle school and 9th grade students and their parents to help prepare them for post-secondary education. Starting with the 2009-10 school year, there will be a Middle School Access Advisor who will serve the public middle schools in Norfolk and Portsmouth.

One-Stop Resource - Provide a college advisor for high school students and their parents to help with researching higher education opportunities. Advisors offer assistance in identifying colleges and programs that match a student's interests, searching for financial aid and guiding them through the step-by-step procedure for the admissions and financial aid process.

Parental Advising - Assist parents in preparing for their child's postsecondary education through educational seminars and one-to-one advising.

Financial Assistance with College Applications and Tests - To overcome financial barriers for students whose families are not able to pay for college, ACCESS Advisors obtain fee waivers for SAT/ACT testing and college applications for qualifying students or ACCESS pays the fees for the SAT/ACT tests and college applications if necessary.

College Tours - When students are able to visualize themselves on a college campus, they are better equipped to take on the challenge of making the grades and navigating the college application and financial aid processes. The ACCESS College Foundation provides guided tours of a variety of colleges and universities in Virginia free of charge to the students ACCESS serves. Tours are guided by college staff, and include motor coach transportation, refreshments and/or meals and often provide on-site college admission sessions.

Financial Aid - Provide trained advisors for personal and confidential advising services to high school students and their families, supplementing the financial aid information provided by school guidance staffs and maximizing each student's financial aid opportunities.

Career Development - Expose students to a range of postsecondary educational and career opportunities.


ACCESS "Last Dollar" Scholarships - Award need-based scholarships to high school students who are pursuing postsecondary education.

Scholarship Administration for Other Organizations - Manage scholarship programs for other local individuals, organizations, outside agencies or businesses. Management involves a nominal fee for publicizing the program, reviewing applicants, establishing the criteria and selecting recipients.