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.

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

 

Summer Academic Challenge dates 

June 26 - July 24, 2024

Applications now open

APPLY NOW!

Access Programs include the following types of 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.

 

Recent News

Students attending a Summer Academic Challenge celebration

Information on everything Access Programs has to offer!

Students visiting the Natural History Museum

Visit us there, "like" our page, and be the first find out all the latest news and events. See you there!

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.