OUR STORY
OUR HISTORY
Access Opportunity was founded in 2014 by Yuri Shane and Susie Hayes. Growing up, Yuri and Susie both had experiences that showed them the importance of college and career preparation for young people with limited financial resources. The goal was to help students gain the skills, education, experiences, and network necessary to launch themselves into impactful careers.
Over the years, Access Opportunity has grown to provide social-emotional support and a focus on preparing students to make an impact in their communities and on the world.
"Equity is our students standing as themselves, dreaming without limits, accessing opportunities, helping their families, lifting their communities, impacting their world. Equity is our reason for being, our solution, and the world we want to live in."
- YURI SHANE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
OUR WORK
Access Opportunity supports high-potential students from low-income households for six years through holistic and individualized programming. During their time in the program, students will receive academic tutoring, college and career coaching, networking and mentorship opportunities, and social and emotional support. We support students at each step in their journey to college and career.
Our holistic model goes beyond achievement to incorporate student leadership and social-emotional support. Our goal is to inspire students to craft their own vision for their future that includes making a positive impact on their communities.
OUR STUDENTS
Access Opportunity currently supports 102 students who are set to graduate college from 2024-2029. Additionally, each year we accept ~20 new students to join our program beginning at the end of 10th grade.
Our students are high achievers and come from low-income households in Colorado. 87% of our students are the first in their family to attend college. Over the years, our students have attended over 30 different colleges across the country (and even internationally)!
