Apply now! Become a Scholar in the Cultivate ACCESS program
What is the Cultivate ACCESS program?
Cultivate ACCESS is a University of Nebraska–Lincoln program designed to help high school students (especially sophomores and juniors) explore what comes after graduation. Through near-peer virtual mentoring, you’ll be matched with a UNL student who can guide you as you learn about college, careers, and your own goals. You don’t need prior experience in STEM—just a curiosity about exploring science, technology, agriculture, or related pathways and what they could mean for your future.
Who should apply?
Cultivate ACCESS is for high school students who are curious about their future and open to trying something new. You don’t need a background in STEM to apply—this program is a great fit for students who are interested in exploring STEM as a possible path and who want support, encouragement, and a chance to connect with a mentor and a community that believes in their potential. This program open to all students but is particularly designed for students who typically do not pursue STEM careers related to food, agriculture and natural resources.
Scholar applications are now open!
Applications review begins on August 15, 2026. Application deadline is September 18, 2026.
Who are the Scholars?
At the heart of Cultivate ACCESS is a cohort-based model that emphasizes relationships, belonging, and growth. Each participating high school student, called a Cultivate Scholar, is thoughtfully matched with a Cultivate Ambassador who serves as a mentor throughout the cohort experience. Ambassadors draw on their own college journeys to help Scholars navigate topics such as college readiness, academic confidence, campus life, career exploration, and personal development. The result is a supportive, student-centered experience that helps Scholars see themselves in higher education and beyond.
What did past participants have to say about the program?
What was most rewarding with Scholars
As important as it is to be surrounded by peers and professionals, it’s also equally important to be surrounded by people younger than you. [Cultivate ACCESS] was like passing the baton backwards. [What was rewarding about working with CA scholars] was being a guide for them and a lifeline if they need it or if they have any questions about their future. It was the relationship building with them.
What was rewarding with Mentors
[What was rewarding with mentors was] building relationships and communication with them. A few have been really helpful for coming to see what they do every day, what doing STEM is like in education, or agriculture, and it was a great basis for figuring out jobs and careers.
Ambassador expectations
[Cultivate ACCESS] has been interesting. I got to meet a lot of kids outside my home community and within Nebraska. I have really enjoyed it and I think team has done a great job guiding us to be the best ambassador we can be. I really enjoyed working with [Cultivate ACCESS] team. I found them to be interactive and committed to making the program better than what it was when it started. I learned from everyone and they learned from us.
Leadership Team
[The Cultivate ACCESS leadership team] are the most incredible team to work with because they are all committed to the program. They smile, make jokes, they were really into the program. Also, they were trying to see how we can develop as ambassadors. The leaders were invested in us and helped us to utilize the experience for our development.