Mission Statement:
St. Francis College, in accordance with its history and its mission recognizes potential as much as accomplishment. The goal of Project Access is to help students develop college level basic skills competencies in writing, reading, and study skills in order to succeed and thrive in college courses and in the college community. (
Watch a video about Project Access)
Program Highlights
- Project Access is a comprehensive verbal skills program developed by the Academic Enhancement Center that maximizes the learning potential for under prepared college freshmen.
- Enrollment since the program began in 2003 has risen significantly. We have served a total of more than 540 academically at-risk freshmen, including between 90-110 new Access students each of the past two freshman years.
- The most important word in our mission is Potential. The core philosophy of the program is that we recognize potential and that we provide the opportunity for students to accomplish their goals. The program is designed to support and nurture academically underprepared freshman by providing them with the skill sets needed for college success.
- Students also learn outside the classroom with a curriculum that incorporates short trips to art exhibits, the Brooklyn Bridge, local museums and concerts; all helping students look more deeply at the world around them.
Practical Information
- The program begins with a three week summer workshop that provides students a bridge to college. Our workshops teach students fundamental skills like; how to study, how to think and read critically, and how to understand the expectations of being part of a college community.
- In the fall semester, students take a non-credit reading, writing and study skills course (SFC 0040) along with a 3-credit basic writing course. They are also required to participate in both individual and group tutoring sessions at the Academic Enhancement Center.
- Access students meet regularly during the year, with their advisors and SFC 0040 instructors, to make sure their road to academic success is a smooth one.
- The cost of books, course materials, and educational field trips is covered for all participants in the program.
A Project Access reception is held each year to welcome the new Access students to the program. We celebrate what they have already accomplished and set goals for future accomplishments in the classroom and in the college community at large. Guest speakers include faculty, administrators and alumni of the Access program who speak about their experiences in the program and their subsequent academic success. The event is an opportunity to celebrate the Access students’ achievements and instill our belief in their future successes.
St. Francis College thanks United States Senator Charles Schumer, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, Congressman Edolphus ’Ed‘ Towns of Brooklyn and Congressman Peter T. King ’65 for providing generous support to the Project Access program.
SFCTV's Travis Hentrich reports on Project Access, a program that identifies students who, when given the chance and added support, can become successful at the college level.