ACCESS Collaborative

ACCESS Collaborative

Breaking the cycle of poverty in parenting-student families one degree at a time, ACCESS is an academic and social support program assisting parenting students who are pursuing a college education at The Ohio State University.

Overview

The ACCESS Collaborative Program is an academic and social support program for parenting students who are pursuing a college education at The Ohio State University. While the program strives to increase the retention rates of parenting students, special attention is given to the unique circumstances of students from diverse social groups. By minimizing the barriers that may prevent their full participation, the ACCESS Collaborative Program works to create a campus climate that is inclusive for all.

Established in 1989, ACCESS Collaborative was was initially created to enable single parent students with custody of their children to earn an undergraduate degree and find employment suitable to their academic preparation. Currently, the program coordinates university and community support services to support parenting students of various household compositions and personal demographics toward degree completion.

Both male and female undergraduate parenting students who are either full-time or part-time students at The Ohio State University can participate in the program.

    Eligibilty

    • Full-time or part-time Ohio State students

    • Minimum GPA of 2.0

    • Full, physical custody of their children

    Services Offered

    • Programming on parenting and life skills; child development; and financial planning

    • Priority registration

    • Scholarship opportunities, mentoring, professional development, evening child care, housing assistance

    Workshops

    • Parenting skills: building self-esteem and promoting autonomy in children, improving family harmony, guiding children to maturity.

    • Life skills: stress management, relationship building, communication skill development