APPLY
Access Opportunity helped me enter a path towards obtaining a college education and degree. Not only that, it also allowed me to meet other students that share the same goals and dreams as myself.
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-ITZEL (AO CLASS OF 2022)
WE'RE ACCESS OPPORTUNITY.
Through six years of individualized support, we empower you to attend your best-fit college and launch a meaningful career.
WHAT TO EXPECT
SAT tutoring classes with your cohort to help you raise your scores
A $10,000 scholarship to help with college and career expenses
A tight knit community
of like-minded students
Expert counseling on choosing the best fit college for you
Help with applying for financial aid and finding additional scholarships
Ongoing workshops to build
your leadership skills
Individualized support with writing your college applications
Continued mentorship and support during your transition to college
Unique opportunities to explore careers and build professional skills
We'll be there with you every step of the way.
ELIGIBILITY
Wondering if you're a good fit?
We accept a small class of high-potential 10th grade students each spring from across the Denver Metro area.
ARE YOU...
... in 10th grade at a high school in the Denver metro area (within 40 miles of Boulder)?
... involved with your community through extracurricular activities and/or part-time work?
... a dedicated student with an unweighted GPA of 3.5 or above?
... in need of extra financial support and guidance for the college and career process?
... ready to be a part of a tight-knit community of like-minded students?
If that's you, we hope you'll apply to join the #AOFamily.
Are you an educator or other adult mentor? Go here instead!
READY TO APPLY?
The 2025 application is now closed. We'll reopen on January 1, 2026!
STEP ONE
Ask for two letters of recommendation. The first letter must be from your school counselor. They will be asked about your school, your courses, and your transcript. The other letter may be from a teacher, coach, or other adult mentor who can share why you are a good fit for Access Opportunity.
STEP TWO
Begin your application. After you speak to your recommenders, you'll share their names with us and get a custom application link. We will also share our application guide with you, which walks you through the application step-by-step. We encourage you to take your time, and get help from people you trust!
STEP THREE
Submit all of your application materials by March 1. This includes your recommendations, so make sure to stay in touch with your recommenders to make sure they submit on time. Please do not leave the application to the last minute, as we can't give extensions. However, we are happy to help if you get stuck!
STEP FOUR
Join us for a virtual interview. We carefully review all applications and choose a select group of finalists to invite for an interview in April. In your interview, you'll be asked to reflect on your interest in the program, your relationships with important people in your life, and your inspiration for pursuing higher education.
STEP FIVE
Find out if you've been selected in mid-May! After the interviews, we meet as a team to select the twenty students we believe have best demonstrated our core values of Achieve, Inspire, and Connect. The new class will be formally welcomed to our community at our weeklong Summer Workshop in June.
"As an Alumna, I can say with full confidence that I would not have completed my undergraduate education without Access Opportunity. AO has helped me to complete college because they have always allowed me to be two steps ahead in the process. It has truly been an honor and experience to be amongst the first AO class and I am grateful that other students will continue to join the AO family!"
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- ASIYAH, CLASS OF 2020