Project Access is an Award-Winning Program Specifically Designed to Support High School Students Receiving Academic Accommodations, Enhancing their Potential for Success in College.
Project Access is a transition and retention program located on the Howard Community College campus in Columbia, Maryland. Project Access is aimed at helping high school students with disabilities get into college and succeed there. The Project Access Summer Institute will be held from July 6th- 31st, 2026. Applications for the Summer Institute program are due by May 24th, 2026. Students completing grades nine, ten, eleven and twelve and who will be receiving a high school diploma are eligible.
The Project Access Summer Institute will offer instruction in writing, reading, mathematics, executive functioning skills/strategies to support college success, advocacy skills, career development skills, and more. Prompting or additional support provided by paraeducators or assistants is NOT provided. We attempt to replicate a college environment, which requires a level of independence and self-regulation on campus and within the classroom.
More Information About Project Access
Did you know:
- Approx. 1 in 4 College Students will NOT return back to college after their Freshman year. Studies show that students often lack preparation and college readiness skills. Research has concluded that interventions provided for students with disabilities made a significant impact to their success in higher education.
- The nationwide freshman retention rate is approximately 70-75%
- Project Access has an average freshman retention rate of 80%
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What Project Access Offers
A 4-week program, 5 days per week, 6 hours per day of
- Academic Instruction
- Study Skills/Executive Functioning Skills
- Advocacy Skills
- Technology Tools for Learning
- Career and College Advising
- Peer Mentorship
Offered to High School students grades 9-12, as enrolled in school year prior to the Summer Institute.
Between 80- 90 students attend per year, approx.
Eligible students must have a diagnosed disability and will receive a high school diploma. (IEP/504)
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Program Pluses
- Learn to advocate for self
- Learn skills and strategies that will lead to success in college courses
- Explore colleges and possible interests of study
- Explore career options and interests
- Practice time management: Students move between 3 building locations. Navigate the campus!
- Use a college learning platform and schedule structure
This is NOT summer school. No homework, no tests, no grades. The focus is on exposure to skills, strategies, and resources, not mastering the core curriculum.
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A Typical Day
A Typical Day's Experiences, on a rotating
M/W and
T/TH schedule:
- Morning (9AM-11:45AM)
- Study Skills Instruction
- College and Creative Writing
- Project Based Learning
- College Test Expectations (9th/10th grade), Senior Intro (11th grade), College Readiness (12th grade)
- Lunch (11:50AM-12:40PM)
- Afternoon (12:45PM-3:00PM)
- Intro to Theatre
- Wellness Management
- Career Development
- Practical Math Applications (financial literacy)
Three weekly Friday college trips or events expose students to college life and post-secondary educational opportunities.
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Project Access Events
- Summer Institute Celebration
- Fall Party
- Winter Party
- Information Open House
- Virtual Information Sessions
- And More...
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Support: Transport and Finances
Transportation Services
Bus transportation is provided free of charge to Howard County students, from an accessible/common location, not from the student’s home. (ex. School, grocery store, church, community center, etc.)
D.O.R.S.- Dept. of Rehabilitation Services
Federal funds provided to pre-employment transition services.
Counseling for post secondary education.
Tuition support may be provided by DORS.
Financial Support
Don’t let finances stop you, if interested! Apply for Financial Assistance, if needed. Contact our office for more information.
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Eligibility Considerations
A student interview will determine readiness and eligibility for the program. The purpose of the interview is to ensure that students are ready for the Project Access summer institute program and will be successful in their participation. Not all applicants will be accepted due to a capacity limit or eligibility. Accommodations are provided under the ADA, providing reasonable accommodations.
Student Must:
- Be able to self-regulate behaviors without consistent/regular prompting. (ex. vocalizing, tapping, pacing, etc.)
- Allow for 1 verbal or nonverbal prompt
- Student can listen to and implement expected behavior without need for repetition or clarification of instructions.
- Be able to participate in typical classroom activities without the direct support of the teacher, paraeducator, or assistant to initiate and/or complete the activity.
- Classroom activities include, but are not limited to:
- Having a class wide or small group discussion
- Working independently on assignments
- Follow a set of instructions given by the teacher- both academic instructions and behavioral instructions (ex. Log into the computer, select a topic to research, perform basic internet research activity, etc.)
- Must be able to work in small groups to create a product to which the student has actively contributed.
- Must be able to follow the HCC code of conduct regarding behaviors and expectations to adhere to high standards of honor and good citizenship. (Specifically, to conduct themselves in a responsible manner, to create an environment that enhances the opportunity for learning, etc.)
*** The Summer Institute program detailed above is based upon prior programs. Future summer program details may vary. Full details of the upcoming summer program will be available prior to enrollment. ***
Please note: If you would like additional assistance in completing this application, please contact our office at 443-518-4625. This program is available to all high school students in Howard County and surrounding counties. A student interview will determine readiness and eligibility for the program. Not all applicants will be accepted due to a capacity limit or eligibility.
