Access Alumni
Success Stories

Access Alumna

Education: Churchland High School; B.S. , Norfolk State University; Master in Engineering Old Dominion University

Current Position: Computer Engineer at the Navy’s Military Sealift Command

Making a Difference: “Access has helped me become the person that I am today.”

Cedricka is giving back to Access by serving on the Board of Directors, she has created a book scholarship and volunteered her time during many Access events.

Access Alumnus

Education: Booker T. Washington High School; B.S. and M. Ed. William and Mary

Current Position: Director of Scholarship and Alumni Services for the Ron Brown Scholarship Program

Making a Difference: “I learned about Access in high school when I needed assistance with SAT prep and enrolled in a SAT prep course. My advisor also helped me apply for scholarships” 

Randy is also a member of our Alumni Committee.

Access Alumna

Education: I.C. Norcom High School; B.S. University of Richmond

Current Position: Product Manager at Groundworks

Making a Difference: “Access gave me the opportunity to apply to my dream schools through application fee waivers. Not only did I apply to those schools but attended one of them.”

She is still very active with Access and is a member of the Board of Directors, where she sits on the Marketing Committee.

Access Alumna

Education: Maury High School; B.A. and MS Ed Old Dominion University

Current Position: Academic Advisor at Kent University

Making a Difference: ”Access provided me the guidance and support I needed to complete two back-to-back degrees through Old Dominion University, from the support starting from high school through graduate school. They provided me with ample information and opportunities for development and growth. The volunteer experiences guided and assisted me in becoming a higher education professional. I would like to thank Rachal Weaver for all that she does and all of Access for reaching out and helping students bridge the gap and feel prepared to attain a degree.“

Her words of wisdom to others, “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.” ― Maya Angelou.

Access Alumnus

Education: Oscar F. Smith High School; B.S. Virginia Wesleyan University; M.S. Old Dominion University

Current Position: Test & Evaluation Engineer and Instrumentation Engineer at NAVSEA

Making a Difference: “Access significantly helped in high school with applying for SATs and ACTs and applying to scholarships and colleges. In college, Access helped financially with providing me the Access scholarship, assisting the financial aid process, and mentoring throughout the college process.”

Access Alumna

Education: Churchland High School; B.S. Norfolk State University

Current Position: Government and Public Services Analyst for Deloitte

“Access helped lessen the load of student loans and my Advisors motivated me to step out my comfort zone. They also assisted me in finding a great post grad job.”

Access Alumna

Education: Lakeland High School; B.S. Old Dominion University

Current Position: Senior Marketing Associate in the Real Estate Industry and Full time Mom

Making a Difference: “Access helped me find and open many doors that I never knew existed. Those opened doors have led to so many incredible opportunities and experiences. I’ve found success in many aspects of my life – earning my bachelor’s degree, landing internships, finding a career I’m passionate about, relocating to a different area, creating a new family – and I truly believe Access was the catalyst to it all. I’ll always be grateful for the impact they have had on my life, I wouldn’t be here without them!”