ACCESS Academy Spotlight: Moaz Shaikh
April 20, 2026
By Christy Hudson
Moaz Shaikh
Photo Provided
Moaz Shaikh did not begin his college journey planning a career in technology. As a student at George Mason University, he initially pursued neuroscience on a pre-med track, completing two years of coursework before realizing his growing interest in programming and information technology. That shift led him to the College of Engineering and Computing, where he is now a junior majoring in Information Technology with a concentration in Artificial Intelligence Solutions. With experience that spans science, healthcare systems, and software development, Shaikh brings a perspective shaped by both analytical thinking and real-world application.
That background makes him a natural fit for ACCESS Academy, a program designed to give motivated students early access to advanced, career-connected learning experiences. Through his role supporting the Dual Enrollment Python programming course, Shaikh is part of a broader ecosystem that connects high school students with college-level coursework and real-world technical skills. Each afternoon during 8th block, he works alongside ninth graders as they engage in rigorous content, offering guidance, clarification, and encouragement as they build their programming knowledge.
From the start, the experience has exceeded his expectations. “My experience has been nothing but great,” he shared, pointing to both the students’ work ethic and their ability to engage with complex material. What stands out most to him is how quickly they grasp concepts that are typically introduced in much later grades. “I am genuinely impressed by these students. Being just 9th graders, they are able to grasp and master basic to intermediate Python concepts.”
Within the ACCESS model, support roles like Shaikh’s play an important part in extending learning beyond the lesson itself. As students work through college-level material, having someone available to reinforce concepts and troubleshoot challenges helps deepen their understanding and keeps momentum strong. His presence allows students to move more confidently through difficult material while also encouraging them to think critically and independently.
Moments of clarity often come from small details. In one instance, a student was struggling with code that would not run correctly. The issue turned out to be indentation within a loop, a simple but critical element in Python. Once the concept was explained, the solution became immediately clear. “It clicked right away,” Shaikh recalled, describing the moment with a sense of appreciation for how quickly understanding can take hold.
Experiences like this reflect the intentional design of ACCESS Academy. By combining rigorous coursework with layered support, the program creates an environment where students can take on advanced challenges while still having the guidance they need to succeed. For Shaikh, it is a clear contrast to his own high school experience, where opportunities in computer science were limited. In comparison, ACCESS offers students both access and direction, allowing them to build meaningful skills early. “If I had this opportunity, I definitely would have participated,” he said. “It gives students a head start and an edge in a competitive field.”
Through his work as a tutor, Shaikh is contributing to something larger than a single course. He is helping bring to life a model in which students engage with advanced content while receiving the support needed to master it. In doing so, he plays a meaningful role in shaping an experience that continues to define ACCESS Academy.