Access Youth Academy

Mission & Vision

Founded in 2006, Access Youth Academy is an after-school life-skill and academic enrichment program for low-income San Diego youth aged 10-24+ designed to foster equal access to higher education, healthy lifestyle habits, and post-college graduation employment.

 We believe every child should have equal access to achieve their full potential.

 Access Youth Academy’s mission is to transform the lives of underserved youth through academic enrichment, health and wellness, social responsibility, critical thinking, and leadership development using the sport of squash as a catalyst.

Impact

Over 16 years, Access students have achieved a 100% high school graduation rate, 100% college acceptance rate, secured over $10.8 Million in earned scholarships (including Gates Millennium and Quest Bridge Awards), and our student-athletes have won a total of 13 National Squash Titles. Access students have been accepted to and earned degrees from some of the nation’s top-rated schools, including Columbia, Dartmouth, Cornell, Princeton, Stanford, UC Berkeley. Access program graduates have entered careers in biotechnology, structural engineering, cognitive science, and immigration law.

Student Stories

Meet Tiffany: 2020 Access program graduate. She is the first in her family to attend university; Graduated from UC Berkeley with departmental honors and an undergraduate degree in molecular & cell biology; Currently enrolled in a doctorate program in optometry and seeing patients under supervision; Passionate about giving back to her community.

 "My time at Access was life-changing, to say the least. It is because of the opportunities and resources Access provides that allows us to develop our love for the sport of squash, do the best we can do academically, and understand and appreciate our community and learn how we can give back to it. What Access emphasizes is beyond athletic and academic scholarship. It emphasizes teamwork, self-growth, and hard work, all of which plays into success and preparation for college and life." – Tiffany

Meet Djulia - Djulia moved to the United States from Ethiopia, Africa when she was a child. Soon after arriving in America, she lost her mother to cancer and was placed in foster care. Her father, who had stayed behind in Africa, attempted to come to the US to care for her but tragically died during his travels. This left Djulia a ward of the state. Djulia joined Access Youth Academy in the 7th grade and finally found the family she desperately needed. With a strong support network that included her teachers, mentor, teammates, and friends, Djulia could reach heights she previously thought to be unattainable. She became an excellent squash player and played in Team Nationals during her high school years. Djulia struggled academically, but she worked to increase her GPA using grit and determination and was accepted on a full-ride scholarship to UC Berkeley. She is now majoring in Social Welfare and plans to work with juvenile center and foster youth after graduation. Additionally, Djulia has been named the captain of the UC Berkeley women's squash team! Djulia is deeply connected to Access Youth Academy and praises the program as a significant contributor to her continued success.

Our 14-year Commitment

In a 14-year commitment that begins in 5th grade, Access students embark on a curriculum of intellectual, physical, and social development where academic enrichment, sports training, and financial support combine to help them realize their full potential. 

The 14-year Promise is divided into three phases, which align with the needs of students as they progress toward academic and career success:

Phase 1 – Grades 5-12 Each student receives

• Over 460 hours per year of academic support: tutoring, mentoring, standardized test prep, college selection and application assistance, career-focused learning experiences, mental and physical health & lifestyle wellness activities.
• Athletic training and financial support needed to succeed in regional & national squash competitions.

Phase 2 - 4-year Undergraduate Degree

Access continues to support students in college through semester care packages, bi-monthly check-ins, ongoing financial aid and internship assistance, and any academic or emotional needs that arise.

Phase 3 – 2 Years Post-College

For our college graduates, we provide financial literacy education, resume support, job interview coaching, and networking opportunities, all highly individualized to suit each of our young professional’s career and graduate study goals.

For 16 years, Access Youth Academy has provided low-income youth with a supportive community that addresses their physical, emotional, academic, and financial needs. Access offers a high-achieving supportive community and pro-social connections that are powerful motivators. Our proven track record of high-level student and program graduate achievements positions Access as a leader in the field of sport-related academic and athletic programs.