Gregg Gallardo speaks at the Raise a Class benefit event. photo courtesy of Carmichael Productions, Inc.
Two Spartans were honored as a part of the inaugural class of Access Opportunity.
TJ juniors Amber Mosley and Gregory Gallardo have recently become members of Access Opportunity, an organization that invests in students who have great potential, ensuring they have a smooth transition to college. The Access Opportunity program focuses on helping the individual needs of each student, working with them through high school until their college graduation, assuring them a successful head-start into their future career.
Tenth through twelfth graders are eligible to be a part of Access College, a program that helps prepare students for the difficult testing requirements toward the end of their high school career and further prepare them for the beginning of their college journey. They receive counseling for their classes, prep services for the ACT and/ or SAT, and leadership workshops to help prepare them for college.
Access Career is the second part of the program, guiding students from their first year of college until they graduate. The program supports the students throughout their college career, opening doors for new opportunities, in addition to offering a $10,000 scholarship for college or career related expenses. The students will receive coaching from the Access Opportunity staff and successful professionals throughout various industries. Furthermore, the students are supported through an internship and job search, as well as leadership workshops focusing on professional development.
Mosley was first informed of the program through a mentor, and was strongly encouraged to apply. “I applied for the program my sophomore year. I was recommended by one of my mentors and she explained that based on my current situation, this program would be able to provide the support I truly needed,” Mosley explained. Mosley is a truly impressive transfer student from George Washington High School who is on the honor roll, a member of National Honors Society, a Mile High Scholar, volleyball player, and the Editor-In-Chief of the yearbook. Additionally, she is a frequent volunteer at Children’s Hospital, Denver Health, and her local library. With the help of Access Opportunity, Mosley is planning on becoming a physician after college. “I’m hoping to gain not only everything that the program offers but just the overall experience and endurance that those in the program help and encourage us with,” Mosley said. Recently, the Access Opportunity inaugural class was recognized at the Raise A Class benefit that raised $323,000 for scholarships. Mosley was fortunate enough to get a picture with one of the auction items: Ben Higgins, the star of the most recent season of The Bachelor. “I remember one of our advisors approaching us and saying for us to come with her because she wanted to get us a picture with The Bachelor,” Mosley explained. “I was able to say ‘hi’ and get a selfie with him. It was a really fun experience!”
Gallardo is another fortunate applicant who became a member of Access Opportunity, and he is looking forward to preparing himself for college and his future career. He has been a part of AVID and the Goodwill Mentoring Program prior to Access Opportunity. Additionally, he volunteered for Meals on Wheels by helping deliver meals to the elderly and veterans every week. Gallardo is hoping to become a physician and is looking to Access Opportunity to help him reach his goals. “The first thing that got my attention was the money. When I heard more about the program, it was a lot more than that. It’s a lot of college prep and ACT tutoring, which I really needed,” Gallardo explained.
The Access Opportunity program has proven beneficial for many students. Although the period to apply for the program is currently closed, students can learn more at http://www.accessopportunity.org/.
