Teachers

Overview

Cultivate ACCESS is a University of Nebraska–Lincoln initiative designed to expand college and career access for high school students through near‑peer mentoring, leadership development, and early exposure to higher education pathways. The program connects motivated high school students with trained UNL undergraduate mentors—known as Cultivate Ambassadors—who provide guidance, support, and encouragement as students explore their goals after high school. 

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. 

For high school teachers and educators, Cultivate ACCESS offers a structured, research-informed program that complements classroom learning and student support efforts. Teachers who participate by nominating or supporting students help expand access to mentoring and college exposure—particularly for students who may benefit from additional guidance, representation, or encouragement. The program is designed to integrate smoothly with school schedules and to reinforce educators’ work in preparing students for postsecondary success.

The Cultivate ACCESS program has evolved over time. Currently we have funding from USDA-NIFA to support the Cultivate ACCESS to Data Science program.