Access Academies
Every student. Every chance. Every day.
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
-Our Mission- Access propels at-risk middle school students through high school and on to college and career success with enrichment, counseling, and scholarships. -Our Students- 94% of Access students qualify for free/reduced lunch 97% of Access students represent minority populations -Our Results- 99% of our Academy graduates have been accepted to private, college-prep high schools 98% of our Academy graduates graduate high school on time 96% of our Academy graduates have been accepted to colleges, universities, or other post-secondary institutions
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Enrichment
Access partners with urban, values-based middle schools serving at-risk youth to offer an Academy program, which extends the school day and academic calendar year to provide structured opportunities for learning, enrichment, and growth. All middle school students attending our partner middle schools are enrolled in Academy enrichment programs that empower students to succeed in the rigorous academic environments of high school and college, and teach students how to be leaders in their communities. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the Access Academy program is offered at no-cost to students and schools.
Currently, our four middle school Academy programs are collectively providing 83 enrichment programs in the areas of:
- Academic Development
- S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics)
- Leadership, Character, & Health Education
- The Arts (Performing, Fine, and Practical)
Counseling
The Access Academies Graduate Support Program helps students transition to and persist in their next level of education by ensuring the critical academic, social, financial and emotional needs of our students are met. For graduates who stay on the trajectory for success, the Graduate Support Director provides the extra push to overcome obstacles and reach personal and professional goals. For graduates who struggle, the Graduate Support Director is an always-present lifeline to advocate in their best interest and get them back on track.
Scholarships
Access financially support students in three critical ways.
- High School Tuition Scholarships -
Access provides tuition assistance and partners with private, college-prep high schools, ensuring our Academy graduates have access to a challenging, values-based education.
- Work-Study Scholarships -
The Give Back Work Study Program engages our high school and college students by tutoring Academy students at their former middle schools. Half of their earnings are paid directly toward their tuition expense.
This past fiscal year, 52 high school and college students logged 5,438 work hours by tutoring and/or mentoring over 170 Academy students.
- Post-Secondary Preparation -
Access covers all costs related to ACT preparation and testing as well as costs for college applications and college visits/road trips.
Where we work
External reviews
Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
To propel at-risk middle school students through high school and on to college and career success.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
Access makes an 11+r commitment to each student.
In Middle School
Access partners with urban, values-based middle schools serving at-risk youth to offer an Academy program, which extends the school day and academic calendar year to provide structured opportunities for learning, enrichment, and growth.
In High School
Access Graduate Support Directors consistently visit with students in high school to monitor their academic progress and receive updates on their engagement within their school community. If necessary, the Graduate Support Director advocate on behalf of the student to ensure his or her academic, social, financial and emotional needs of our students are met.
In College
Access spearheads programming to support our students’ transition to and persistence in post-secondary schools as well as support graduates with career decisions.
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
-We have a school-based Graduate Support Director at each Academy program to oversee enrichment programs.
-We partner with community organizations to provide enrichment programs based on each school's needs and interests.
-We have partnerships with every high school our graduates attend., and consistently visit the high schools to ensure our students' academic, social, emotional, and financial needs are met.
-We provide ACT testing support and college admissions planning and support.
-We have a College and Career Counselor who consistently visits with our collegians to monitor their progress and provide career planning support.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
Since our inception in 2005,
- 99% of our Academy graduates have been accepted to private, college-prep high schools
- 98% of our Academy graduates graduate high school on-time
- 96% of our Academy graduates have been accepted to colleges, universities, or other post-secondary institutions
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
Access Academies
Board of directorsas of 09/14/2022
Robert Mathias
Vice Chairman to the Board, Cass Commercial Bank
John Vatterott
Marian "Bo" Mehan
Lewis Rice
Joe Jedlicka
Terry Mehan
Brian Day
Mercy
Pat Erb
Gus Gast
Moneta Group Investment Advisors
Marie Kenyon
Director, Peace & Justice Commission