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."
-ITZEL (AO CLASS OF 2022)
WE'RE ACCESS OPPORTUNITY.
And we're committed to equity in opportunity for all students. Through six years of individualized support, we empower you to attend your best-fit college and launch a meaningful career.
Are you...
in 10th grade at a high school in the Denver metro area (within 40 miles of Boulder)?
involved with your community through school activities and/or part-time work?
a dedicated student with an unweighted GPA of 3.5 or above? (This is not a strict requirement - we welcome other indicators of academic success.)
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?
Wondering if you're a good fit for our program?
We accept a small class of high-potential 10th grade students each spring from across the Denver Metro area.
WHAT TO EXPECT
As an AO scholar, you will receive:
Free test prep with your cohort to help you raise your scores
A $10,000 scholarship to help with college & career expenses
A tight knit community
of like-minded students
Expert counseling on choosing the best fit college for you
Financial aid planning & help with 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 career pathways & build workplace skills
We'll be there with you every step of the way - from the application process through college graduation.
READY TO APPLY?
The 2023 application is closed. It will re-open on January 1, 2024.
STEP ONE
Ask for two letters of recommendation. The first letter must be from your school counselor, who will be asked about your school, your courses, and your transcript. The other may be from a teacher, coach, employer, or another adult mentor who is not in your family. Make sure that your second letter is from someone who can share why you're a good fit for Access Opportunity.
STEP TWO
Begin your application. After you've asked for your letters of recommendation, you'll share the names of your recommenders and get a customized application link where you can save your progress. 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 check-in with your recommenders and make sure they submit on time. Please do not leave the application to the last minute. We do not give extensions to applicants.
STEP FOUR
Join us for a virtual interview. We'll carefully review all applications and choose a select group of finalists to invite for an interview in April. Our interview questions revolve around our core values of Achieve, Connect, and Inspire. In your interview, you'll be asked to reflect on your interest in Access Opportunity, 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! The new class will be formally welcomed to our community at our workshop in June. This workshop will be held in-person if public health guidelines allow, otherwise you will connect with your cohort virtually.
"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!"
- ASIYAH, CLASS OF 2020