ACCESS Scholarship Program
For Women in Science and Mathematics

The ACCESS Scholarship Program offers approximately 21 women each year some extraordinary opportunities and experiences in science and mathematics at the University of Utah.

A typical ACCESS scholarship recipient spends the summer of her freshman year with some of the brightest women entering the University of Utah. Through a specially designed course, taught by some of the university's most enthusiastic and celebrated professors, the student is introduced to hands-on experiences with real-world problems through instruction, laboratory work and team work on assigned projects. The class is designed to give participants not only valuable laboratory experience, but also a taste of each of the major sciences.

"I found the ACCESS program to be a fun, challenging way to network with other women students and integrate myself into the stucture of the university. It helped me to connect with inspiring faculty who were interested in my aspirations and getting me where I wanted to be. I strongly credit the ACCESS program for my success in getting into the medical school of my dreams."

--Ambur Economou, ACCESS 1993, M.D., Harvard Medical School, class of 1998.

During the following semester, the participant is lined up with a professor in a field of her choice, and given the opportunity to work as a research assistant in a lab.

"Working in the lab during my ACCESS year was a wonderful experience for me. My adviser let me have my own project and only guided me when I asked for help."

--Emily Bates, ACCESS 1994 and candidate, Biological/Biomedical Science
Ph.D. Program, Harvard.

On top of all this, the ACCESS student receives a $3,500 stipend in addition to any other scholarships or awards she may have received from other sources. As word of the program's excellence spreads, competition to gain admittance intensifies.

In 1995, the average high school grade point average of the 21 successful candidates was 3.96. Of the 100 women who had participated in ACCESS, 28 were first in their class, many at high schools with a student body numbering nearly 800! Not only are these women academically superior, they also have strong commitments to their communities. Participants in ACCESS have served on U.S. senators' youth city councils, worked as Special Olympics volunteers, served at the Salvation Army soup kitchen, and much more.

"I am so thankful I was a part of this program. The very best part was having met 20 other women who were pursuing studies in science. Before this program, I didn't know one other woman in the sciences."

--Kiri Wagstaff, ACCESS 1993 and Ph.D., Computer Science, Cornell University.

How Do I Apply?

  1. Applications for the 2008-2009 ACCESS Program will be available November 12, 2007. They can be obtained from Utah high school counseling centers or math and science teachers. Students can also contact the College of Science for an application or download the application from this web page in PDF format!
  2. Applications must be received by February 22, 2008.
  3. All applicants will be informed of results by mid-April 2008.
  4. The application requires the following:
    • A one-page letter/essay expressing your interest in science and career goals;
    • A copy of your high school transcript, including current second semester senior year classes;
    • Letters of recommendation from two science and/or math teachers;
    • ACT or SAT scores and the date taken;
    • College(s) attended, if any, along with the list of courses, dates and grades;
    • A list of advanced placement courses and dates exams were taken;
    • A list of academic awards, science projects, honors courses and special summer programs;
    • A list of extracurricular activities, special awards, leadership positions or recognition received.

2008-2009 ACCESS application

ACCESS application 2008-2009

The 2007-2008 ACCESS application will be available November 12, 2007. This application is a PDF (Portable Document Format). To open and print the application, Adobe Acrobat Reader software is required. Download a free copy of this software by clicking here.

2008-2009 ACCESS Information

ACCESS Brochure

ACCESS Poster

This application is a PDF (Portable Document Format). To open and print the application, Adobe Acrobat Reader software is required. Download a free copy of this software by clicking here.

Contact Us

Rosemary Gray, PhD
ACCESS Program Director, College of Science
1430 Presidents Cir. RM 220
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
(801) 581-6958
rosemarygray@bioscience.utah.edu

Lisa Batchelder
ACCESS Program Coordinator, College of Science
1430 Presidents Cir. RM 220
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
(801) 581-3374
batchelder@science.utah.edu