Dear Community,
This year was a significant milestone for Access Opportunity: our 10th anniversary. Ten years ago, we embarked on a journey fueled by our vision of equity in opportunity for students from low-income households. Access Opportunity has since grown from a bold idea into a thriving community of students, alumni, educators, and supporters who believe in the power of education to change lives.
We have witnessed our students achieve incredible things—earning degrees, entering purposeful careers, and giving back to their communities—all while staying true to the values that shaped them. This year, we not only celebrate our students, but also the community that made this journey possible. From our dedicated staff and volunteers, to our generous donors and partners, each of you has played a pivotal role in building the legacy of Access Opportunity.
As we look ahead, we are filled with hope. The challenges facing our students are complex, but so is their resolve. With your continued support, we will keep pushing boundaries, breaking barriers, and creating opportunities for the next generation of trailblazers.
Thank you for being a part of this journey.
With deepest gratitude,
Natalee Benzing
Interim Executive Director
WHO WE ARE
OUR VISION
Equity in opportunity
for all students.
Our Mission
Our mission is to create opportunities for high-potential students from low-income households to define their individual paths through high school, college, and career, ultimately benefiting the lives of others.
WHAT WE DO
Being a trailblazer requires support. We've got them covered.
Navigating the college and career journey can be challenging, but our students don’t do it alone. At Access Opportunity, we provide comprehensive, long-term guidance that honors each student's unique background and evolving needs. Our six-year program is tailored to offer personalized support, focusing on what matters most to students and their families. We help them achieve success through:
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Individualized college and career counseling
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Social-emotional development
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Academic support
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Community-building
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Expanding networks and social capital
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Engaging families as partners in the process​
We guide the way, but students chart their own course.
Access Opportunity is more than a college and career prep program. We take a holistic approach that not only focuses on academic achievement but also fosters leadership, emotional resilience, and community impact. Our goal is to inspire students to develop a vision that extends beyond college attainment and aims at making a positive difference in their communities.
By collaborating with students, we ensure that their voices shape our programs and policies. Students take the lead in planning workshops, facilitating discussions, and crafting content for our communications, actively shaping their journey toward success.
"I appreciate the support I received from my sophomore year of high school through the end of my college career. This continuous support is remarkable because not many organizations stay with you until the very end."
-Marisol, AO Alum, Class of 2024
WHY WE DO IT
Forging Futures
Access Opportunity students are changing the trajectory for themselves, their families, and their communities. They are reaching goals that, because of the number of barriers, only a small percentage of other first-generation college students achieve. We are there every step of the way to help them navigate through college and toward a meaningful career.​
Our Class of 2024 graduates are starting their next adventure.
The Class of 2024 looks forward to beginning their professional journeys, with many entering the workforce (89%) and others pursuing advanced degrees (11%). Whether stepping into full-time roles or continuing their education, our alumni are leveraging their experiences to shape their futures.
100%
of this year's alumni
completed college in four years
The median starting income for the Class of 2024 is
$78,000
compared to their families' median income of:
$29,771
MILESTONE MOMENTS
Highlights from the 2023-24 School Year
Access Opportunity has five main outcomes for students’ participation in the six-year program. This year, we accomplished these outcomes in the following five ways.
#1: Pursuing Change
AO alumni are beginning to establish themselves in their careers, leveraging the skills and experiences gained through our program. This year, many returned to share their knowledge and guidance with current students, offering mentorship, leading workshops, and speaking at events. These contributions reflect the strength of our alumni network and their commitment to giving back to the next generation of AO students.
“I hope to leave as strong of an impact on AO students as I experienced when I joined the program. People in AO believed in me and saw my potential before I did. Having this support made me more confident and determined, which helped me change who I was for the better. I would like the students to see that the program works and you can be successful no matter your background or skin color. I hope that I can be proof that AO has a process that works. I am proud to be part of AO’s first class.”
-Manny, Class of 2021
MEET OUR STUDENTS
Access Opportunity serves high-potential students
from low-income households in Colorado
79%
OF OUR STUDENTS ARE BILINGUAL
91%
OF OUR STUDENTS
ARE FIRST-GENERATION
3.64
IS OUR STUDENTS' AVERAGE GPA
Hispanic/Latino/a: 62%
Black/African American: 14%
Asian/Pacific Islander: 11%
Multiracial: 9%
Our 2024-25 Ambassadors
White: 4%
Ambassadors are selected by our program team to showcase the student experience both during and after the program. Each of these individuals has demonstrated strong leadership and communication skills, and they are passionate advocates for Access Opportunity.
Manny
University of Colorado- Boulder
AO Alum (Class of 2023)
"It wasn’t until I learned about Access Opportunity that I understood that higher education was the next step I wanted in my life. [When I was accepted to the program,] it felt like the doors to my future had opened up, and a clear path to college had been set."
Paola
University of Denver
Class of 2026
"Access Opportunity has served as a constant support for the past five years. From the college search to SAT prep, guidance through the college application process, and navigating financial aid awards or appeal letters, they have been there for me through it all."
CELEBRATE OUR COMMUNITY
We are deeply grateful for our community of supporters, partners, staff, and volunteers. We have so much gratitude for the rich diversity of skills, experiences, and knowledge this community brings to Access Opportunity. Thank you for inspiring us and we look forward to continuing to learn from each other this year and beyond.
SUPPORT OUR FUTURE
We are building something impactful and longstanding. The momentum we have built sets the stage for our students to change the future. Your support has been crucial in helping students reach their potential and become leaders in their communities over the past ten years. As we look ahead, your continued involvement—whether through a donation or simply by staying connected—will help us expand opportunities for even more students in the years to come. Thank you for celebrating a decade of impact with us.