Below is a brief excerpt from Jenny Carrillo’s speech from the 9th annual ACCESS Academies Scholarship Dinner.

“My name is Jenny Carrillo, I am 24 years old, I have my MBA, and work for a Fortune 500 company.

I attended St. Cecilia School & Academy from Kindergarten through eighth grade. After, I was encouraged by my family and graduate support director to attend Nerinx Hall. I was thankful for my time at Nerinx because they were incredibly supportive of me and my family. I remember Ms. DeLany signing me in late every morning because I had to drop off my five siblings before school. I also remember my college counselor pushing me to take the next step in my journey.
You see, sometimes as you go through life you find yourself at a crossroad and needing help. After my junior year, I was at my crossroad. My mother was ill and, as the oldest, my family depended on me. I couldn’t fathom going to college and leaving them with no support. However, my high school counselor kept encouraging me to apply- even going as far as to give me applications for nearby colleges and universities. I was accepted to all, but chose St. Louis University.

At St. Louis University I met Marie Kenyon, who I refer to my personal cheerleader. She has always been a source of encouragement and support, and helped the flame inside of me grow brighter than I thought possible. I worked for Marie in the Catholic Legal Assistance Ministry as a translator. During my senior year, I travelled to Panama for a cultural immersion program, thus completing the final academic requirement for my Bachelor’s Degree in International Business. As the daughter of immigrants, I was the first in my family to go to college.

After graduating I went to work for St. Francis Community Services on the south side providing financial interventions and education before going on to earn my Master’s in Business Administration from Fontbonne University. I remember my sisters asking me “How many more graduations are you going to have, Jenny?!” (Photo pops up on big screen) That made me feel very proud, and I am excited to say that I am not done yet.

Currently, I work for New York Life doing what I love, which is to help others, but also to learn. Every day, every new person, teaches me something new, gives me more tools. As I look to the future, I am excited because I know my future is limitless because I have my education and a community of supporters backing me up. Thank you.”

Below is a brief excerpt from Aaron Tucker’s speech from the 9th annual ACCESS Academies Scholarship Dinner.

“My name is Aaron Tucker. I recently graduated from Bishop DuBourg High School, Class of 2017!

In high school, I was very involved with not only my academics but my extracurricular activities as well. Over the course of high school, I was involved in the Academy of Advanced Studies, National Honors Society, Student Ambassadors, Student Council, Robotics, Pro-Life Club, Theater, Liturgical Music, Choir, Math Club, Scholar Bowl, Video Gamers, and Anime Club.

I knew that even before I got to high school, I wanted to really be involved because I truly wanted to make my high school years memorable, and I believe that I achieved my goal. Well, I think that is enough for introductions because tonight is about raising money for this wonderful organization known as Access Academies. However, before we do that, I was asked to share a little bit about my experience with Access Academies. It has been a long and amazing journey, so bear with me.

I have been a part of Access Academies since my 8th-grade year at Saint Louis the King, formerly known as Cathedral Basilica. My 8th-grade year, they decided to implement this new program called NativityMiguel, and it was then that Access Academies would eventually become an integral part of who I am today. I remember it so vividly because when I cannot tell you how mad I was that my mother made me do this program. As soon as I was told that I had to stay at school until 5:00 P.M. every single school day except Friday, I became exhausted just thinking of such a reality. But alas, soon, it was my reality. However, I hate to be cliché, but this truly became a case of the saying, “don’t judge a book by its cover”, because the program surpassed my expectations by far. The program consisted of two main parts. The first was an hour long study period. I am not one that usually struggles academically unless it is Calculus- which did not kick in for another four years thank God, but it became really helpful when I just wanted to finish up homework so I can go home and work on programming or something. The second component of the program consisted of various activities and challenges that would ultimately help us in the long run. Some of these activities included resumé writing, making a portfolio, creating and presenting presentations, searching things like high schools and colleges that we took an interest in, and many other things as well. When it came time to conclude my 8th-grade year, I realized just how much Access Academies had done for me.

It did not stop there. Even in high school, Access Academies was still a huge part of my life. My family struggles financially, but through generous donors like yourselves and others like alumni from DB and from Mike McMillan and the Urban League of Metropolitan Saint Louis, they made sure that I was able to make it towards my senior year and graduate, which I don’t take for granted because I know that not everyone can say that, so I truly recognize this as a blessing. With that being said, I would just again like to say thank you for all of your continuous support to programs like Access Academies, because it truly does make a difference, and I hope that my being here is a symbol for that.

Another great thing about Access Academies is the different opportunities that the organization offered me through different ways to connect with people and really get some networking done, which everyone knows can take you a long way just by simply having connections. Through Access Academies and my school, I heard about this other program that I am also a part of now. I don’t know if you have ever heard of it, but it is called the Saint Louis Internship Program. As the name suggests, this program offers internships over the summer to underprivileged students in the Saint Louis area. I have been a part of this program since my sophomore year of high school. Since then, I had been a Corporate IT Intern with Emerson Electric, but now I will be going over to Saint Luke’s hospital and will be interning with their Computer System’s team. Many of the skills that Access Academies taught me such as presentation skills, resumé writing, leadership, adaptability, computer literacy, etc., I could apply those to not only my academic life, but in the workplace as well, so Access Academies has had integral part in my life and continues to be, even beyond its own borders.

Now, there is one specific person that I believe has had the biggest and most monumental influence on the young man that I am today, that would be my Graduate Support, Ms. Joslyn Sandford, perhaps the greatest thing that Access Academies could have ever given me. This woman has stuck by not only my side, but all of my fellow peers from Saint Louis the King, ever since my 8th-grade year. Everyone has someone in their life that keeps them together, no matter how hard they have to knock some sense into you along the way. I have always looked forward to seeing Ms. Joslyn when she would come to visit and check on my progress at DuBourg. Most of the time, I had no problems so we would inevitably just end up sitting and talking until I had to return to class. From the bottom of my heart, I love you Ms. Joslyn, and I have no idea what I will do next year in college when I have no one to knock some sense into me, but I know that as long as I know you have faith in me, I will be just fine.

In conclusion, I simply want to leave you with a quote from author H Jackson Brown Jr that says, “Nothing is more expensive than a missed opportunity”. I like this quote because I feel that everyone can relate to it.
Because of the education I have received through Access and Bishop DuBourg High School, I have applied and been accepted to 49 colleges, 39 of which gave me extensive and prestigious scholarships, and as a result, I have around $2.9 million dollars in college scholarships. I had offers and scholarships from schools like Truman State, SLU, Loyola University (New Orleans and Chicago), Rockhurst, Tulane, University of Dayton, Xavier University (both Cincinnati and New Orleans), and countless more.

Finally, I eventually made a decision, as I will be attending Missouri University of Science and Technology, or Rolla, or S&T for short. Imagine making that decision and having to tell 48 colleges that you won’t be attending their school. Not fun whatsoever. At Missouri S&T, I plan to double major in Computer Science and Computer Engineering with a minor in business.

As a first-generation college student, I have set high, but achievable, goals for myself, and to be a role model for my two younger brothers as well. I want them to know that if they truly put their best effort towards something, then not only will they succeed, but they will thrive. With that education and eagerness, I hope to become a computer applications developer, and ultimately, become a pioneer and entrepreneur in the technological field.

Life is full of choices and opportunities, and everyone struggles with worrying about whether or not they make the right decisions. However, I can tell you all tonight that the decision that you made to invest in Access Academies and these young students was the right decision. These are students who have taken advantage of the opportunity that you have and will create for them. I know that when the time comes, they will be exactly where you are right now, carving the way for the future generations of leaders, politicians, scientists, mathematicians, writers, programmers, entrepreneurs, who will inevitably create a better tomorrow. Thank you.”

Below is a brief excerpt from Gaby Amezcua speech from the 9th annual ACCESS Academies Scholarship Dinner.

“I am Mexican / American, a proud daughter of two immigrant parents. Who came to the United States to provide a better future for themselves and their family. I know firsthand how hard my parents worked to get where they are now and the sacrifices they made like working two to three jobs in order for me to go to a private high school. 

I attended Saint Cecilia School and Parish. Not only did Saint Cecilia accept my family with open arms, the community became part of our family. They have amazing programs that help students with studying, extracurricular like robotics and mosaics, folkloric dancing. As well as having resources like helping to fill out FAFSA, educating families about the importance of college saving, and helping the students with study halls throughout high school and providing work study.

A majority of these students that are part of Access Academy are first-generation students whether that be high school or college. I remember being in these kids shoes. I was in this very same room 6 years ago, hoping that I would be able to attend the high school of my dreams. I’ve worked this event for the last five years and now I am here given the honor to speak tonight.

Being a first-generation student myself, I know the struggles that many of these kids face. Having to learn as you go and then having to explain it your family, even when you don’t think you fully understand it yet. Feeling like you don’t fit in, worried about the financial aspect when it comes to applying to the high school of your choice. Wondering if you’re even good enough to attend the school, and realizing that you’re going to need help. You can’t do this by yourself. Access Academies has academy directors that help students know that they have a storing support system backing them up. That they are not alone. People like Mrs. Klosterman, who helps, works during school and out of school. Worrying about us as if we were her own children. Wanting nothing but the best for us.

There will be obstacles and challenges. I remember my eighth-grade year a family member telling me that I would most likely become nothing. I would just be wasting my time and money going to private school. I would be another number on the list. That I would most likely drop out of school and start a family as a young mom. Even in high school having a teacher telling me I was not smart enough to attend the college of my dreams.

I was accepted to Notre Dame High school and graduated with a 3.5 G.P.A. I was accepted to all 8 colleges I applied to, getting the best financial aid packets in my entire eighth-grade class. I’m now attending Webster University studying Pre-Dentistry and Spanish on a full scholarship. Although I just finished my first year of college I am considered a junior with all of the extra credits I’ve taken. I’ll be applying to Dentistry School with a specialization of Orthodontist, next summer at UMKC. I’ve proved these people wrong and I will continue to prove people wrong by breaking these stereotypes and barriers that these kids can walk the same path as I and many others have.”

 

 

 

THANK YOU for supporting the 9th Annual ACCESS Academies Scholarship Dinner! Because of you, over 170 ACCESS students are attending private, college-preparatory high schools across the St. Louis region and receiving services through our Graduate Support Program, and over 230 NativityMiguel students from De La Salle Middle School, Marian Middle School, Loyola Academy, and our three Academies are receiving significant high school tuition scholarships.

For those who were unable to attend, you can still DONATE NOW.  For additional questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

2017 Recap

“Goal: Success – ACCESS Academies” by Alexa Beattie, Town & Style Magazine!

Click for Party Pics: 9th Annual ACCESS Academies Scholarship Dinner by Greg Holden

Town & Style Snapped! Party Coverage for the 9th Annual ACCESS Academies Scholarship Dinner

Ladue News Society Gatherings Coverage for the 9th Annual ACCESS Academies Scholarship Dinner

The 2017 ACCESS Academies Highlight Video (Produced by Dan Duffy Productions)

 

GOAL: SUCCESS-ACCESS ACADEMIES
May 22, 2017 | By: Alexa Beattie, Town & Style Magazine

Just when young people need it most, ACCESS Academies holds out a steadying hand. Just when they need a future to believe in, ACCESS helps them see their potential. The support the nonprofit offers eases the transition from middle to high school by providing after-school enrichment programs, mandatory summer school and one-on-one mentorship from a school-based Graduate Support Director. ACCESS makes a seven-year commitment to its students, following them through middle and high school and helping with the college application process.

Currently, the nonprofit has academies at three city Catholic schools—St. Louis the King School at the Cathedral, Most Holy Trinity School & Academy and Saint Cecilia School & Academy—with another planned for St. Louis Catholic Academy this fall. Located in the North St. Louis Penrose neighborhood, St. Louis Catholic Academy serves approximately 108 minority students, all of whom qualify for the federal free lunch program.

“Our students have all the challenges every preteen and young teen faces, but these issues often are compounded by the problems of poverty, including underemployment, deteriorating neighborhoods, and family challenges,” explains Bo Mehan, chair of ACCESS Academies’ board of directors. The vast majority of students, all middle schoolers, are the first in their family to have their sights set on college, she says, so having someone there to guide them can make all the difference. The Graduate Support Director, one in each of the three academies, not only helps with the basics of school life, but also forms an emotional bond with students. “By building those relationships in middle school, the directors have a tremendous positive impact,” Mehan says. “It’s the nuts and bolts of school life, but also the belief in their students, that really [makes the program successful].”

Since its founding in 2005, the ACCESS program has dispatched 98 percent of all its eighth-grade graduates to private college-prep high schools such as Nerinx Hall, St. Mary’s, Bishop DuBourg, Notre Dame, Chaminade, Villa Duchesne and Christian Brothers College.

Mehan says ACCESS is “thrilled” to bring the program into St. Louis Catholic Academy, and would love to embed services into more middle schools. but she adds that the nonprofit must be mindful of its budgetary commitment to existing students and graduates. “We spend about $350,000 per year per school, and of course, we cannot risk abandoning our current high school or middle school students by overextending commitments,” she says.

This year, the nonprofit’s biggest fundraiser—the ninth annual ACCESS Academies Scholarship Dinner—is set for June 7 at the Four Seasons Hotel. The event raises money to support high school tuition scholarships for ACCESS graduates. It also offers tuition support to students at De La Salle Middle School, Loyola Academy, and Marian Middle School. More than $600,000 in scholarships will be awarded this year.

Pictured: Board chair Bo Mehan
Photo Courtesy of Lewis Rice

The ACCESS Academies “Give Back” work-study program provides part-time jobs for ACCESS graduates attending private high schools or colleges/universities. Work study participants tutor ACCESS Academies middle school students one-on-one or in small groups after school, and assists with the extended day programs, with the money earned supporting their tuition.

“Give Back” participants learned how to handle greater responsibilities, and developed enhanced communication skills, cultivated individual leadership skills, and managed their time more efficiently. They also expressed more confidence in their academics and willingness to seek out advice and help from teachers, counselors, and other school officials. More importantly though, they learned the values taught by being a part of a community. They became mentors and role models to the middle school students because they came from similar backgrounds and could personally relate to the younger students’ struggles.

At the middle school level, teachers noted that students greatly benefited from the program, and exhibited an improved sense of school community, a renewed sense of academic purpose, increased social and communications skills, more accountability, and better academic performance.

During the 2016-17 school year, 46 participants logged 4,518 hours working with our 153 middle school students. Because of the success of this program, the St. Louis Review published an article titled “Never-give-up attitude prevails at Most Holy Trinity Academy,” which highlighted the benefits of the program.