Access Programs at University of Puget Sound is designed to promote academic excellence and expand college opportunities for Tacoma and greater Pierce County Public Schools middle and high school students from traditionally underrepresented groups in higher education.

Counselors, teachers, and community members work together with Access Programs staff to identify students, as early as seventh grade, who may benefit from additional support, guidance, and enrichment to succeed in secondary and post-secondary education and reach their academic goals.

Tacoma Public and greater Pierce County schools and the University of Puget Sound work in partnership in developing Access Programs and the Access to College Initiative. Students attending Tacoma or Pierce County Public middle schools and high schools are encouraged to apply to participate in Access Programs. Completion of an application form, classroom performance, study habits, attendance patterns and social behavior are a few of the criteria that will be considered.

These programs are open to students in grades 7 through 12 enrolled in the Tacoma School District or in or greater Pierce County who are members of one or more of the following groups:

  • first-generation college students
  • minoritized groups underrepresented in higher education
  • groups with socioeconomic statuses underrepresented in higher education
Students taking part in Summer Academic Challenge

I am in 7–12 grade. How can I get involved?

 

University of Puget Sound Students

Do you want to positively impact the lives of local Tacoma youth? Help inspire students? Be a mentor? Learn about the community around you? If you are interested in being a tutor/mentor, please email us at access@pugetsound.edu.

Students taking part in Summer Academic Challenge

Our Programs

Summer Academic Challenge

Four-week tuition free STEAM based program at the University of Puget Sound campus which has been shown to significantly improve college retention.  In fact, over a six-year period (2014–20) at Puget Sound, the one-year retention rate for former Summer Academic Challenge participants (89%) was significantly better than the rate for all other first-year students (83%), including 100% retention of students who participated in two or more Challenges. For the fall 2019 cohort in particular, one-year retention rates for former Summer Academic Challenge participants (88%) was significantly better than the rest of the cohort (76%).

Access Cohort Program

Provides financial, academic, and social support to Access Program students who enroll at the University of Puget Sound.

Students attending a Summer Academic Challenge celebration

Information on everything Access Programs has to offer!

A group of students listening to a presenter

Where are you now? What have you been doing since Puget Sound? We want to hear from YOU! Email us at access@pugetsound.edu.