Access to Education

Do Parents Know Enough Information about Saving for College?

Some intersting statistics about the overall knowledge that average parents have about college savings can be found by clicking here.

Middle School Students Prepare for College

Blueprint 2.0, a college-readiness initiative supported by the Ohio State University and nonprofit I Know I Can, reaches out not only to the 11,000 middle schoolers in Columbus City School District but their parents, too, in an effort to prepare the students to for their collegiate careers and find the path to their dream job!  Read about Blueprint 2.0 and how to set your middle school student on the path to college!  Click here to view the article.  

Have a 9th or 10th grade student at home?  Click here to learn about Blueprint: College High School.

Looking for a Student Organization to get Involved on Campus?

Two new student groups are forming around access to education! Both of these groups are new this year and have many leadership opportunities--great for meeting new friends, enhancing your resume, and refining your leadership skills, all while getting your Buckeye spirit into gear!

Buckeyes for Appalachia

Ohio's Appalachian region is a diverse and unique region which has historically faced severe economic challenges. Many students from Appalachia are first-generation college students, and many are from small, rural communities. Students who are first-generation college students often face additional challenges adjusting to college life, as family does not share "what to expect" at college. This group will provide opportunities to have fun while give back to Appalachian communities through several means, including inspiring Appalachian middle and high school students to take the steps necessary to reach higher education. This group will also combat the negative stereotypes that exist about Appalachian communities by fun and effective outreach to the campus community. Students who are not from Appalachia but would like to participate are also welcome!  Email Vonna Page at page.221@osu.edu for more information.

First Generation Students at Ohio State

As first generation college students, we strive to make the transition for high school students to college a smooth and informed experience. We will provide opportunities for our members to make their futures successful and therefore raise the retention for first generation students at The Ohio State University.

Students who are not first generation but are interested in the organization are also welcome to join!

Please email firstgeneration@osu.edu for more information.

 College Mentors for Kids News

Check out the video about CMFK and the Lemonade Stand project!

Access Advocate named Graduate Student of the Year 2011!

The Robert F. Rodgers Graduate Student of the Year Award is presented annually by the Ohio College Personnel Association (OCPA).  On November 5, 2011, OCPA honored Ohio State student Jen Skidmore with this award in recognition of her dedication and unlimited energies as a full-time graduate student.

At the time of her award, Jen was a second-year master's student at The Ohio State University in the Higher Education and Student Affairs graduate program, and received her Bachelors degree in Sociology from The University of Texas at Austin.  Jen's graduate assistantship was in the Student Wellness Center where she devoted many hours to education OSU students about financial wellness.  Jen believes in increasing college access and collaborated with the Economic Access Initiative during her time at OSU to create programming for first generation students on topics of financial wellness.  She has been a constant ally to the mission of the Economic Access Initiative and we are proud to call her our colleague.  We wish Jen the best of luck her in professional endeavors after graduate school!

Congratulations Jen on your tremendous achievement!

Learn more about Jen's work on the Web and on Facebook and on Twitter!