White House recognizes ASU's outreach efforts
Access ASU programs — such as Future Sun Devil Families (pictured here), ASU Preparatory Academy, the American Dream Academy and the Hispanic Mother-Daughter program — follow students all the way to high school to ensure that Arizona youth have a pipeline to ASU.
The White House honored Arizona State University’s Access ASU initiative for its efforts to help Hispanics prepare for college.
ASU is one of 150 public and private organizations recognized by the White House for making meaningful contributions to the advancement of educational opportunities for Latinos.
“These commitments will bring critical resources to Latino students and families,” said Alejandra Ceja, Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics. “[Access ASU] is an example of meaningful investments being made in support of the largest, youngest, and arguably fastest growing minority community.”
Access ASU, first launched by the university in 2004, strives to increase the number of Arizona students prepared to enroll at ASU. Through partnerships with local school districts, Access ASU has helped 100,000 students prepare for college. Programs operated under Access ASU include the American Dream Academy, Future Sun Devils Families, Hispanic Mother-Daughter Program, ASU Earn to Learn, Barrett Summer Scholars, Collegiate Scholars Academy, Early Outreach Scholars and SPARKS.
“Today’s award highlights ASU’s commitment to access and excellence,” said Beatriz Rendon, ASU’s Senior Associate Vice President for Outreach. “We will continue to widen the path for Latino students to attend ASU and successfully complete their degree.”
Programs like Access ASU represent the university’s commitment to ensuring all Arizona students can attain a college education. Programs offered by Access ASU help students and families are prepare for college academically and financially. Thanks to these outreach efforts, ASU continues to expand educational opportunities for low-income, first generation, and minority students. Since 2004, ASU has doubled the amount of low-income students enrolled at the University.
Access ASU’s partnerships with local school districts are helping more students reach college. Currently, Access ASU is partnered with Glendale Union High School District, Mesa Public Schools, Phoenix Union High School District, Tempe Union High School District and Tolleson Union High School District. Through these partnerships, ASU is able to help more students to attain their college goals.
For districts like the Phoenix Union High School District, Access ASU provides meaningful college experiences to its students. For Phoenix Union interim superintendent Chad Gestson, these experiences leave a lasting positive impact on all students.
“Through our partnership with Access ASU, we can work to dispel myths and remove real and perceived barriers to college,” Gestson said. “Together, we’ve been able to empower our students with the college readiness resources they need to succeed.”
Access ASU will continue to work with partner districts and schools throughout the state to help more students attend and succeed in college.
To learn more about Access ASU and its programs, visit https://eoss.asu.edu/access.