Statistics and Achievements

A skilled workforce and strong demand are the engines that drive economic development. By increasing the number of college-bound students and students pursuing technical and professional certifications, we are steadily expanding the pool of highly qualified workers, finding solutions for long-term workforce development.

For every $1 that goes to direct services, ACCESS obtains $17 in financial aid and scholarships for students.

In the 2010-2011 school year:

• Students assisted with the college process 3,300
  
• Total financial aid reported $33 million
  
• ACCESS Last Dollar Scholarships $500,000
• Provided over $199,000 in SAT & ACT waivers/fees and $113,000 in college application waivers/fees for more than 2,571 low-income students.
  

Over 23 years: 1988 - 2011

• Students assisted with the college process 35,000
• Total financial aid reported $300 million
• ACCESSLast Dollar Scholarships $5.5 million
  

Access Receives National College Access Organization Award of Excellence

The ACCESS College Foundation was awarded the first “College Access Organization Award of Excellence” by the National College Access Network (NCAN) on October 9th at its annual conference in Los Angeles, California. The Award of Excellence was developed to recognize the work of college access programs that fulfill the mission of improving access to and success in postsecondary education for first-generation, underrepresented and low-income students.

NCAN announced a call for nominations in June to their 255 participating members across 45 states as well as Washington, D.C. and Canada, each specializing in helping public high school students attain a college education. Selection criteria included a quantitative analysis on the program's positive outcomes, examples of student success, creative partnerships, and evidence-based results.

Bonnie B. Sutton, President and CEO of ACCESS College Foundation, was presented a glass sculpture and a $1,000 award to be used for operational expenses, scholarships and/or professional development. ACCESS will also receive national recognition through exposure from NCAN.

WHRO in Norfolk, Virginia has selected the ACCESS College Foundation as the recipient of its 5th Annual Pioneer Award.

The ACCESS College Foundation was chosen to receive the Pioneer Award from local public radio/television broadcaster WHRO because of its twenty years of helping public high school students go to college. The ACCESS College Foundation is a non-profit organization designed to assist students attending regional public high schools in furthering their education beyond high school. Founded in 1988 by Joshua P. Darden, Jr. and Frank Batten, the program is supported by foundations, businesses, and by individuals who believe that every student who graduates from high school should have the opportunity to attend college.

Established in 2004, the WHRO Pioneer Award honors individuals or organizations who have made significant and lasting contributions in the fields of public broadcasting, education and educational telecommunications, and who have improved the quality of life in the Hampton Roads community.