College Newsletter

Welcome back! A new semester is a chance to be intentional about your academics, finances, and future career. Start strong by understanding your expectations, using your campus resources, and creating a plan for the semester ahead.

This past weekend, we proudly welcomed our new 8th grade cohort to Access Academies! 🎉

Through our A2HS (Access 2 High School) Program, students will participate in programming once a month throughout the school year to help them prepare for high school and build the skills they need to become successful Access Scholars.

Did you know? We’re now welcoming students starting in 7th grade! 🙌

Students have the opportunity to join Access Academies beginning in 7th grade, or they may apply if they attend Sr. Thea Bowman Catholic School in East St. Louis, Illinois.

📢 Know a student or family who may be interested? Be on the lookout for more information about upcoming opportunities to join Access Academies!

We hope everyone is off to a great start to the semester! Our team has been working diligently to process and send out your scholarship checks.

Please remember to check with your college’s Financial Aid Office to confirm when your scholarship has been received and how it will be applied.

📬 Mailing Time: Every college processes scholarships differently, so your experience may vary in processing time.

We will be sending out semester check-in sign-ups soon! As a reminder, all students who received a scholarship or are planning to receive a scholarship for the spring semester must complete the semester check-in.

Be on the lookout for updates and information about the next steps and sign-up process.

Thank you for your patience as we work to get your scholarship funds to you. If you have any questions or concerns, we’re here to help!

If you’ve taken a break from college, stepped away from school, or are still figuring out what comes next, you’re not alone—and we’re here to help!

Whether you’re thinking about returning to your previous college, exploring a new school, changing your major, or simply figuring out your next steps, our team is happy to help you explore your options and connect you with resources.

💡 Remember: This is your journey. We can provide guidance, resources, and support, but the process must be student-led. You will need to take the initiative to communicate with your college, complete required forms, meet deadlines, and follow through with your next steps.

Not sure where to start? Reach out to us! We can help you identify your options and create a plan for moving forward.

Hey! We created a chat just for Access Scholars & family where we’ll share important resources, scholarships, internships, events, college opportunities, and more! 🎓✨

Make sure you join so you don’t miss out on opportunities throughout the school year!

👉 Join the chat here: https://groupme.com/join_group/116346649/ARxzYSy4

Are you a college student looking for a Work-Study opportunity? We’re looking for reliable and motivated college students to tutor our 8th-grade through high school scholars!

Tutors will provide academic support in:

• ➗ Math
• 🔬 Science
• 📚 Spanish
• ✍️ English

Requirements:

• Must be currently enrolled in college
• Must be passing your classes and in good academic standing
• Must enjoy working with middle and high school students
• Must be dependable and committed to supporting our scholars

This is a great opportunity to gain mentoring and tutoring experience while giving back to younger students in our program.

Interested? Reach out to Ms. Jordyn Hale at jhale@accessacademies.org

We love celebrating our Access scholars and alumni! Did you graduate, land a new job, join a club, earn a scholarship, make honor roll, get married, welcome a child, receive an award, or have another exciting update? We'd love to hear from you. Your stories help inspire current students and show supporters the long-term impact of Access Academies.

Current Students, parents, and alumni are encouraged to share <3

Questions? Connect with Dave Baldwin at dave.baldwin@accessacademies.org

Families are invited to join this parent-led committee and get more involved with the Access Academies community!

The committee offers opportunities to:

• 🎉 Help plan and support events
• 🙌 Volunteer with Access Academies
• 🤝 Connect with other Access families
• 💡 Share ideas and help strengthen our programs

Interested in getting involved? We’d love to have you join us!

👉 Join the committee here: https://groupme.com/join_group/113105488/aWkuz0Ej

LinkedIn is a professional social network where users may share, connect, and learn. It is the most prominent business networking site where you can market your abilities and connect with professionals. LinkedIn may help you find the perfect internship or job and connect with prospective clients. Feel free to add us in

🗺️ Two premier geospatial conferences. One week. One campus.
This September, the geospatial community comes together at Saint Louis University for CaGIS 2026 and GeoResolution 2026 — bringing research, education, industry and national security together in St. Louis.
📅 CaGIS Conference | September 8–11
🔗 https://lnkd.in/gccfiJt4
📍 GeoResolution 2026 | September 10
🔗 https://lnkd.in/gS4UzPiF
Two great opportunities to connect, learn and see what’s next in geospatial. 🚀

Looking for a meaningful practicum experience where you can build professional skills while helping strengthen families and support children in our community?

The Saint Louis Crisis Nursery is seeking three practicum students to join our team this fall:

• Family Empowerment Programs (St. Louis & St. Charles)
• Therapy Team
• Counseling or Art Therapy students will work alongside regional therapists supporting children through individual and group sessions.
• Bachelor's or Master's Level Students
• Social Work, Counseling, Art Therapy, or related fields are encouraged to apply.
• At the Crisis Nursery, you'll gain valuable experience while helping strengthen families and support children in our community.

https://www.stlcitysc.com/employment-opportunities/

The AAAS Pathways to Policy Fellowship (PPF) gives experts from an array of backgrounds and scientific disciplines the chance to serve in yearlong assignments that impact science policy nationally and internationally. Fellows arrive from academia, industry, and the nonprofit sector, and represent a spectrum of career stages — from recent doctoral graduates and faculty on

A two-year paid corporate fellowship for graduating college seniors and grad students that places you in a full-time role at an innovative Indiana company. Orr Fellowship connects high-achieving college graduates with meaningful work experience, leadership development, and a built-in community. Rather than a standard entry-level job, the program offers two years of full-time, on-the-job experience paired with intentional professional and leadership development.

5️⃣ Amazon; Robotics - Software Development Engineer Intern/Co-op (2026); Multiple U.S. Locations; $105,000–$185,000 a year; Apply Here: https://lnkd.in/gQR9gAy8

New Resource Alert: Check out the new publication, "Amplifying Voices of First-Generation Black College Students," is the first edited collection to focus specifically on the experiences of Black college students as they move from college to career. It includes critical essays about STEM, rural students, medical school, career services, and so much more. Download now: https://lnkd.in/e_ssRhQK

Scholarship America
A national organization that helps students find and apply for scholarship opportunities. Students can search for scholarships based on eligibility, education level, location, and other criteria.

🔗 Scholarship America

Tip for College Students: Check regularly—new scholarship opportunities are added throughout the year, and deadlines vary.

• Review every syllabus.

• Put deadlines in your calendar.

• Meet with your academic advisor.

• Introduce yourself to your professors.

• Check your financial aid and student account.

• Identify at least one campus resource you may need this semester.

STUDENT RECOMMENDATIONS

🔗 Resource: BigFuture Pay for College | Career Exploration

The beginning of the semester is the best time to establish good habits. Attend every class, learn your professors' expectations, organize your deadlines, and address questions early rather than waiting until you are struggling.

🔗 Resource: Study Strategies

🔗 Resource: BigFuture College Search

Explore SLU's graduate and professional programs and learn how your bachelor's degree can connect to future education and career opportunities.

🔗 Resource: BLS Career Profile | UMSL Education | University of Kansas Education | Loyola Chicago Education

Academic advisors help college students understand degree requirements, choose courses, connect with resources, and plan toward graduation. This career is a great fit for people who enjoy helping others reach their goals.

Have you met with your academic advisor?

As part of a senior community service project, we are offering free family portraits to members of the community. This event aims to provide families with a meaningful opportunity to capture lasting memories, regardless of their financial situation. The portraits will be taken by Photography 2 and Portfolio student photographers for families at no cost. The families will receive digital images (and releases) that can be printed.

Event Details:

Families will need to book at appointment at

https://outlook.office.com/book/FamilyPortraitSessions@cbchs.org/?ismsaljsauthenable

There are 8 time slots for each Sunday. If for any reason you need to cancel or reschedule, please use your email confirmation and the same calendar link to do so as SOON as possible. These spots fill up fast and we usually end up with a waitlist.

Choose a Sunday: Sep 27, Oct 14, Oct 11, Nov 1

Time: 12pm to 4pm (appointments are offered every half hour on the 00 & 30).

Location: CBC High School, 1850 De La Salle Dr. St. Louis. (We are the giant castle-looking building near the intersection of 270 and 40/64). We have a photo studio located in the bottom level of the school and will have signs on where to park and enter on the rear of the building.

Cost: Free for all families

Questions: Please email Mrs. Niehaus at CBCPhotography@CBCHS.org.

Registration is Required

Start Here provides general information, street addresses, phone numbers, and websites for dozens of agencies, shelters, employment resources, food pantries, and other organizations throughout the St. Louis area.

Website: https://www.startherestl.org/

Join the Infinite Scholars Program for a FREE College Scholarship Fair, where participating colleges and universities may offer admission and award scholarships to eligible students on the spot.

Sunday, September 13, 2026
2:00 PM–5:00 PM
SLU Busch Student Center
20 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63103

Students with a 3.0+ GPA are strongly encouraged to attend and should bring multiple copies of:

• Unofficial high school transcripts
• ACT/SAT scores
• Résumé

Save Our Sons+Sisters is hosting TWO in‑person Boeing Bootcamp Informational Sessions designed to help you step confidently into high‑demand aviation careers.

Thursday, Sept 3rd — 10AM
Thursday, Sept 10th — 6PM

Classes start in October!
If you’re 18+ and a high school graduate or GED holder, this is your moment.

What You’ll Learn:

• Overview of Boeing apprenticeship opportunities
• Application + hiring process breakdown
• Resume customization tips
• Common reasons applications get rejected
• Live Q&A with experts

Register here to attend: https://form.jotform.com/251244970706054

OFS MetroMarket is rolling across the St. Louis bi-state area, bringing affordable produce, frozen meats, and healthy grocery options closer to the communities we serve.

Swipe to see where we'll be the rest of the week.

View the full schedule: ofsmetromarket.org/schedule

The St. Louis Area Violence Prevention Commission is looking for Youth Grant Reviewers ages 16–25 to help decide which youth events and opportunities should receive funding across St. Louis County!

As a Youth Reviewer, you’ll:

Review youth event ideas

Share your opinions and score applications

Help decide what sounds fun, engaging and meaningful for young people

Get paid for your time and participation

WHO CAN APPLY?

St. Louis County residents

Ages 16–25

No grant experience needed — we want your perspective!

This is your chance to have a real voice in what gets funded for youth in your community.

Apply to become a VPC Youth Reviewer!

https://www.stlareavpc.org/youth-reviewers

🔗 Resource: Merriam-Webster Definition

Initiative means taking action without waiting to be told what to do.

SCHOLAR CHALLENGE: Identify one thing you can take initiative on this semester.

Keep up with program events, highlights and all things ACCESS.