College of Education and Human Development

George Mason’s College of Education and Human Development Launches Inaugural ACCESS Academy Cohort

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at George Mason University is welcoming the inaugural class of students for the Accelerated College and Employability Skills (ACCESS) Academy for the 2025–2026 academic year. Developed in partnership with Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) and Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS), ACCESS Academy is a lab school designed to reimagine how students prepare for college, careers, and civic life in a rapidly evolving world. The program is designed to support students who may not have previously envisioned a college pathway—particularly those navigating limited exposure to higher education or career pathways, relevant information, or professional networks.

“ACCESS Academy reflects a commitment to transforming how we think about readiness—not just for college or careers, but for life in a complex, interconnected society,” said Ingrid Guerra-López, Dean of CEHD. “By aligning K–12, higher education, and industry partners, we’re creating more coherent and responsive pathways that honor learners’ potential while addressing workforce and societal needs.”

ACCESS Academy students will work toward high school graduation requirements while engaging in real-world problems informed by industry partners. Through a problem-based instructional approach, students will also develop future-ready skills—including critical thinking, collaboration, and adaptability—while building the mindsets and capacities required to navigate dynamic and evolving work environments.

"With the launch of ACCESS Academy, we’re not just starting a new program—we’re opening doors to new possibilities for dual enrolled students and reimagining what learning could look like. This inaugural class is stepping into a bold, future-focused initiative designed to empower students not only to succeed in high school, but to lead in college, career and beyond,” said NOVA Vice President of Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer Eun-Woo Chang.

As a preview of ACCESS Academy’s learning model, students from across Northern Virginia are participating in the ACCESS Academy Artificial Intelligence Summer Camp. This one-week program introduces foundational concepts in machine learning through engaging, hands-on projects guided by problem-based learning strategies.

“The level of interest in the ACCESS Academy Artificial Intelligence Summer Camp has been both affirming and encouraging,” said Roberto Pamas, Director of ACCESS Academy. “With three week-long sessions accommodating a total of 180 students, the camp has drawn applicants from across Northern Virginia. It presents an early and meaningful opportunity for students to engage with foundational concepts in machine learning while offering a preview of ACCESS Academy’s broader approach to experiential, future-focused education.”

ACCESS Academy’s curriculum is shaped by collaboration among faculty in Mason’s College of Education and Human Development and the Department of Information Sciences and Technology at the College of Engineering and Computing, with input from NOVA, LCPS, and industry partners who make up the ACCESS Academy Curriculum Innovation Advisory Board. This collaborative, cross-sector approach is designed to ensure alignment with evolving workforce needs while streamlining coursework across multiple stages of education.

In June, the Curriculum Innovation Advisory Board reconvened to continue shaping a clear and connected career journey model. Discussions focused on employability readiness, meaningful student capstone experiences, and ensuring that admissions criteria promote broad access and participation.

“The insights shared through our collaboration with the Curriculum Innovation Advisory Board have been invaluable,” said Guerra-López. “They help ensure that ACCESS Academy remains grounded in what will best prepare our graduates to be competitive and confident in the modern workforce—even if that requires reimagining traditional educational pathways and practices.”

ACCESS Academy aims to prepare students for the complexities of the modern workforce by integrating academic instruction with applied learning and authentic career-connected experiences. The program combines rigorous coursework with problem-based strategies and employer partnerships to help students develop practical, transferable skills.

“ACCESS Academy is more than a program—it’s a launchpad. By combining academic rigor with real-world relevance, we’re empowering students to graduate with the skills, experiences and credentials needed to thrive in tomorrow’s workforce,” said LCPS Chief Academic Officer Dr. Ashley Ellis.

In addition to its initial emphasis on information technology, ACCESS Academy is positioned for expansion through the formation of a regional consortium that could include new partnerships with school divisions across Virginia’s Region 4 to scale the model for other high-demand fields such as education and healthcare.

As the first cohort begins, CEHD and its partners remain focused on refining and scaling a model that equips students for meaningful engagement in higher education, the workforce, and society—while also contributing to regional economic development and innovation.

Learn more at the ACCESS Academy website.