The Access College for Success Brochure | Valparaiso University

MAKING THE SEEMINGLY IMPOSSIBLE POSSIBLE

The Access College for Success

BE PART of the ACCESS COLLEGE

The Access College for Success is Valparaiso University's response to the perceived and actual barriers many students face when considering attending college. We invite you to join Valparaiso University in supporting this proactive and bold move to help young people understand that their lives can be better than they ever thought possible. Most importantly, that through hard work, dedication, and a little additional support, their dreams truly can be realized at Valpo.

WHY INVEST in ACCESS COLLEGE?

It is essential that students have the academic support and financial means to attend and succeed in college. By making a gift to Valpo’s Access College for Success, you can directly impact the lives of students and help them overcome the barriers they face in pursuing higher education.

Supporting the Access College is an opportunity to honor Valpo’s community, grounded in the Lutheran tradition, built on values of mutual respect, positive regard, freedom, and reliant on grace. We encourage our students to take this tradition beyond our campus boundaries and into the world to live out the values of faith and community learned at Valpo. By empowering students to break down barriers and achieve their dreams, you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of these students, and in turn, contribute to the greater good of society as a whole.

92% of Access College students hail from Northwest Indiana

Future Needs

2024-2025 Goal Scholarships and faculty support are essential for ensuring the continued success and growth of the Access College with a goal of 35 students in the fall 2024 cohort.

Long-term Vision

With a long-term vision of building an endowment of $10 million, the Access College would have its own dedicated dean and faculty with complementary student (support) services.

2.8

average high school GPA of Access College students

FINANCIAL NEED

Of the 26 students in the fall 2023 cohort, 18 are Pellgrant eligible, indicating that they come from lowincome backgrounds. By making a gift that provides scholarships and financial aid, you can ensure that these students have the same opportunity as their peers to attend college, achieve their academic and career goals, and make a real impact on the world.

IMPACT ON FUTURE GENERATIONS

Out of the 26 students in the fall 2023 cohort, 12 are first-generation college students, and 14 are students of color. By supporting the Access College, you can help break down barriers out of their control to provide them with the resources and support needed to succeed in higher education and beyond.

19 high schools represented in the Access College

Commitment to Affordability

Valpo is committed to offering an affordable program and will support students through the financial aid process to ensure they are awarded the maximum federal and state aid.

Student Retention

Over 84% of Access College students live on campus, which increases their retention and overall success. By contributing to this initiative, you can give more students the opportunity to experience an engaging and hightouch college program.

HOW IT WORKS

In an innovative path to a college degree, the Access College provides a two-year program allowing each student to explore areas of interest while earning an associate in university studies, beginning with a curated pre-college experience during the summer before students’ first fall semester, along with advising programming during the duration of each academic year following.

Access College students join a cohort and attend classes together covering a range of disciplines. Additionally, students will also enroll in classes and workshops focused on adjusting to college life, study skills, identifying strengths and interests, learning about career paths, financial management, resiliency, and more.

“ I have received so much support from my classmates, professors, and other academic help. I have been able to feel welcome here.

— JACQUELYNN MATTHAI

”

HOW IT’S GOING

Our pilot cohort in the Access College (20222023) consisted of three students who have all continued their studies at Valpo and are making dramatic progress. Just one year after coming to fruition, the Access College now boasts an impressive 26-student official first cohort. Consistent with overall retention at Valpo, 88% of this cohort is persevering in the Access College.

Jacquelynn Matthai, part of the first cohort, finished her first year with a cumulative GPA of 3.55, up from a high school GPA of 2.5, and is on track to finish the program in the spring of 2024.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Understanding that each student, regardless of background or status, has the potential to effect change in their community and the world, the Access College seeks to draw out the best in each student by providing them with the strong support systems available in friends, family, University faculty and staff, and Valpo’s alumni, donor, and employer network.