MENTORSHIP
Why ACCESS Mentorship?
Nearly 4 in 10 undergraduate students in bachelor's degree programs are first-generation college students (National Center for Education Statistics). For many first-generation students, navigating college can mean learning systems, resources, and expectations that may be unfamiliar.
This is where ACCESS comes in. At ACCESS, we believe finances and social status should not be barriers to educational guidance. That is why alongside our consulting agency, we offer a free mentorship program for selected students.
You worked hard to get through the door. ACCESS is here to help you navigate → and sustain what comes next.
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Our goal is to help students make the most of their undergraduate experience through guidance and strategies focused on:
Building meaningful connections
Seeking and identifying opportunities
Navigating the university experience
Developing academic and career goals
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CCESS Mentorship Program is designed to support first-generation and low-income college students who are seeking additional guidance as they navigate their university experience.
The program is ideally designed for first-year and second-year college students, but juniors and seniors are also welcome to apply.
We encourage students who are looking for additional guidance with:
Navigating the college experience
Understanding university resources, programs, and opportunities
Creating a personalized pathway toward academic and career success
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Applicants must:
Be 18 years of age or older
Be currently enrolled in a college or university
Identify as a first-generation and/or low-income student
Be able to participate in the monthly mentorship meetings
Be willing to communicate with ACCESS through email
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Step 1 — Apply
Students complete the ACCESS Mentorship Program application.
Step 2 — ACCESS Reviews Applications
ACCESS reviews applications to determine program fit.
Step 3 — Two Students Are Selected
Two students are selected for each application cycle.
Step 4 — Selected Students Complete Enrollment
Selected students receive the ACCESS Mentorship Agreement and program information.
Step 5 — Mentorship Begins
Students begin their September–December mentorship experience.
Step 6 — Monthly Meetings
Students meet with ACCESS on the last Saturday of each month.
Step 7 — Program Evaluation
At the end of the program, students are invited to provide feedback about their experience.
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Students do not pay to participate.
Community members who want to support the program may provide a voluntary:
Gift to Support Student Programming
Gifts may help ACCESS enhance:
Mentorship programming
Educational resources
Student resources
Supplies
Technology
Future student programming
The gift process is completely separate from student selection.
Program Outline
Topics willbe adjusted based on the student's individual needs and goals.
September — Navigating Your University Experience
Understanding your transition, identifying needs, and creating goals.
October — University Resources & Opportunities
Learning how to identify, access, and utilize campus resources and opportunities.
November — Academic & Career Pathway
Exploring academic goals, career interests, opportunities, and next steps.
December — Reflection & Next Steps
Reflecting on the semester, identifying growth, and creating a plan for continuing forward.
