In order to demonstrate access students and their families are exposed to people, programs, resources, and connections that can open doors for them, and they are able to navigate and access those opportunities.

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Introduction

Access can be defined as the ways in which educational institutions and policies attempt to ensure that students have equal and equitable opportunities to take full advantage of the education that they receive (The Glossary of Education Reform, 2014). Access can be thought of as a bridge that connects individuals to resources and opportunities. Students walk across the bridge increasing their connections and they gain access to a new location. The new location provides students additional opportunities for personal, professional, and academic growth.

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I increased my students' access by founding student council, introducing them to coding technology, and facilitating a college visit. Each of these resources opened doors for my students in unique ways. Student Council allows students to develop valuable leadership skills that will propel them forward as they enter high school. Introducing my students to code allowed them to develop a marketable skill that opens digital doors for my students. College visits motivate my students from a young age to be college. Visiting UCLA specifically increases my students' access by providing scholarships that make earning a degree in higher education possible.