AccessEd South Africa

AccessEd ZA exists to increase the number of learners from under-represented backgrounds progressing to university. It does this by mobilising the research community to share its academic expertise with schools.

AccessEd ZA launched in 2017

In partnership with Leap Schools, African School for Excellence and Ikamva Youth.

Over 3 pilot cohorts:
24 researchers – university of Witwatersrand and University of Johannesburg
281 young people
Reached township communities in Gauteng and the Western Cape
552 hours delivered of university-style tutorials
The AccessEd ZA programme is designed to give students an authentic experience of university:
Taught by PhD tutors as role models and mentors who they relate to
Courses and unique coursebooks based on real university research, tailored to age level
Studying undergraduate-style topics
Accompanying enrichment workshops (study skills; mental health; critical thinking)
A challenging final assignment, graded in university-style, with 1-1 feedback sessions

Our Partners

Read more in our impact reports

Download Year 1 ReportDownload Year 2 ReportDownload Year 3 ReportDownload Year 4 ReportDownload Year 5 ReportDownload Year 1 to 5 Report

Working with local partners and funders, we continue to develop a sustainable and scalable programme for young people across South Africa.

Quotes

What Scholars think

Grade 10 student at LEAP 3

“Right now I feel motivated to work harder in order to pursue my future goals”

Grade 9 at LEAP 4

“I have learned new things that will help me build a better career path for myself”

School Leader, Western Cape

“I have seen more interest in going to tertiary education. Students are more motivated to make sure they get to university”

School Leader, Gauteng

"Our students love this programme and we can't wait for it to be back next year. They get so much inspiration from their postgraduate mentors - thank you again."

Get in touch if you’re interested in discussing a partnership or a collaboration in South Africa!

Contact