FAQ

How can I get involved with ACCESS’s work?
Learn more about college access issues, support ACCESS programs, stay informed, and tell a friend!

Is my support of ACCESS tax deductible?
Yes. ACCESS is a 501(c)(3) organization, and your contribution is fully tax deductible to the extent provided by the law.

What is the return on my donation?
Your donation has tremendous impact, providing students with the resources they need to achieve their dream of higher education. Last school year, every $1 invested in our advising program returned more than $57 in financial aid for deserving students.

What is the Valedictorian Society?
The Valedictorian Society is an annual giving program for individual donors. It sustains the ACCESS Financial Aid Advising and Last Dollar Scholarship Programs and provides a variety of benefits to members.

How can an organization partner with ACCESS to ensure youth have access to financial aid information?
Through the Early Awareness program, ACCESS partners with public schools, churches, and community-based organizations to ensure advising and resource-sharing on college access and affordability are available to students and parents in Boston and Springfield. Read about Partnerships or contact the Early Awareness Coordinator to learn more.

I’m considering starting a scholarship. Do you have any advice for me?
Establishing a scholarship is a great way to make a lasting impact on deserving youth, but managing a scholarship is a time-intensive task. ACCESS can offer you its expertise to create an ACCESS Named Scholarship in your name or in someone else’s honor. For more information, contact Development Manager Kevin Mitchell at (617) 778-7195, ext. 116.

Does ACCESS accept volunteers?
Yes, ACCESS provides a variety of opportunities for volunteers to engage with our mission of increasing college access for Boston’s youth. Placements are made on a case-by-case basis. Contact Operations Director William Stone at (617) 778-7195, ext. 114, to learn more.

How can ACCESS help my community organization ensure that the students we serve attain their college aspirations?
ACCESS can provide financial aid workshops tailored to the needs of the students you serve, as well as individual assistance with filling out all financial aid forms, including the FAFSA and CSS/Profile and assistance identifying and applying for private scholarships. Learn more about Community Partnerships [link] or contact ACCESS at 617-778-7195 for further information.

How can I get answers to my questions about specific types of donations?
Consult the ACCESS Give page, which provides in-depth information on many types of giving, including in-kind donations, matching gift programs, life income gifts, and deferred gifts.