Why counsellors need to know about Project Access

I recently worked with a phenomenal high-achieving student from an under-represented background, guiding her through her successful application to the University of Cambridge. I realised how incredibly lucky it was that I had been there to offer such support to her. 

And then I came across Project Access on LinkedIn. Project Access offers a ready-made network to guide exactly these students. 

As international counsellors, we can help spread the word about Project Access in our networks, so that low-income and under-represented students who need guidance are encouraged to apply for the programme. 

What is Project Access?

Project Access is a global, student-led non-profit, dedicated to breaking down barriers to higher education by providing under-represented students with the resources, mentorship and guidance they need to access world-class universities. 

Founded in 2016 in the belief “that passion and potential should define a young person’s future”, not their socio-economic background, it works to bridge the information and resource gap that often holds talented students back from applying to top institutions.

For many talented students, applying to a top university feels like an impossible dream, and the numbers show just how uneven the playing field is. In the UK, a student from the most advantaged area is 16 times more likely to go to Cambridge and 14 times more likely to attend Oxford than a student from the least advantaged area. 

But inequality in access extends far beyond the UK. Project Access’ 2023 impact report highlights the fact that, while students from the bottom economic quartile make up just three per cent of enrolments at competitive US universities, those from the top quartile account for 72 per cent. Globally, the figures are even more stark: of the 82 million refugees worldwide, only seven per cent of eligible youth are currently enrolled in higher education.

By tackling these challenges, Project Access is working to turn aspirations into reality for students who might otherwise never consider applying to the world’s top universities.

How Project Access supports under-represented students

For many students from low-income families or under-represented communities, the prospect of applying to prestigious universities can feel daunting and out of reach. Project Access demystifies the admissions process and boosts students’ confidence through:

Mentorship programme: one-on-one guidance from students who have successfully navigated the process.

Admissions resources: comprehensive guides, webinars and workshops covering everything from writing a compelling personal statement to acing university interviews.

Financial support and scholarships: assistance in understanding financial-aid options, scholarship applications and budgeting for university life.

Global outreach campaigns: engaging with schools and communities to identify and encourage talented students from under-represented backgrounds to apply to higher education institutions.

Partnerships with universities: Collaborating with universities to create access programmes, fee waivers and tailored support for students from marginalised backgrounds.

Mentorship and guidance

A core component of Project Access is its mentorship programme, which connects applicants with student volunteers who have successfully navigated the admissions process themselves. These mentors provide personalised guidance on applications, personal statements and interviews, while also offering emotional support and motivation throughout the journey. 

The peer-to-peer nature of this mentorship makes it particularly effective, because mentees can relate to their mentors’ experiences and gain insights that might not be readily available from traditional educational institutions. 

With the right support and encouragement, students gain the confidence they need to submit strong applications, significantly increasing their chances of receiving offers from competitive universities.

As Lukas Popp, CEO of Project Access, explains, “Just recently, two of my mentees were accepted to Harvard and Princeton, and one is set to begin his studies at King’s College London in the fall. 

“The joy of hearing from an overwhelmed mentee who has been accepted to their dream school is hard to put into words. Guiding a student through this process is more than just an opportunity to give back. It is genuinely rewarding to be part of your mentee’s journey, witnessing them grow beyond themselves and helping them put the finishing touches to their application until it truly reflects their potential. 

“At the same time, you can learn so much from these inspiring minds, and they will never cease to impress you.”

Aakansha, a mentor on the European Union programme, adds, “Being a mentor is one of those rare things in life where you give a little and get so much more in return. You see someone go from ‘I don't know if I can do this’ to ‘I just got in’. It's proof that sometimes all you need is a little bit of faith and the right support to change an individual’s whole future.”

Success stories

The impact of Project Access is best illustrated through the stories of students who have successfully gained admission to prestigious universities thanks to the organisation’s support. Their experiences highlight key aspects of the programme: support, encouragement, stress reduction, increased confidence, lifelong learning and friendship.

Crystin, a Project Access mentee on the Cambridge offer-holders’ programme, said, “It’s incredible that the mentoring is free – it makes it so accessible.

“My mentor was amazing, and I now have a friend to keep in touch with. It gave me confidence and made exam season feel calmer.”

Anna, who now studies public policy at Princeton University, first joined the US programme and later became a team member. “Looking back, I not only got the support that helped me secure offers at Princeton and Harvard but I became part of an amazing community filled with like-minded students,” she said.

How to get involved 

There are several ways for individuals and institutions to get involved.

University counsellors can help identify and refer students who would benefit from Project Access’ support. By collaborating with Project Access, we can help dismantle barriers and ensure that every talented student, regardless of background, has a fair chance to achieve their academic dreams. 

University students can volunteer as mentors to guide prospective applicants through the admissions process.

Universities can partner with Project Access to offer outreach programmes, application-fee waivers and mentorship schemes.

Donors and sponsors can support Project Access financially, to ensure the sustainability of its programmes and help it reach even more students worldwide.

Schools and educators can work with Project Access to integrate its resources into school curricula and guidance programmes, expanding access to information about higher education.