Open Access Scholars

What is an Open Access Scholar?

Select Jump Start Compass Monthly Sessions are free, open-access experiences designed for high school Scholars who want exposure to leadership development, college and career readiness, and community engagement.

These sessions reflect the heart of the Compass program and are open to any high school Scholar, including those who are not enrolled in the full Compass cohort.

Open Access Scholars participate alongside Compass Cohort Scholars in select monthly sessions, creating a shared learning environment rooted in growth, curiosity, and possibility.

Who is Eligible?

Open Access Compass sessions are open to:

• High school Scholars (Grades 9–12)
• Scholars who are curious about college, career, and leadership pathways
• Scholars who want to engage in meaningful conversations and experiences
• Scholars who may not be enrolled in the full Compass cohort

There is no cost to attend Open Access sessions, and no long-term enrollment requirement.

Monthly Session Topics

• Safety, Awareness & Decision-Making
• Identity & Purpose
• Academic Readiness & Balance
• Mental & Emotional Wellness
• Career Exploration
• College Knowledge & Financial Aid
• Leadership & Community Engagement
• Community Service & Impact
• Future Planning

Sessions are interactive, discussion-based, and facilitated by trained adults and mentors.

Program Commitment

• Time: Select monthly sessions
• Primary Meeting Day: 4th Saturday of the month
• Access: Session-by-session participation. Must Register.
• Duration: February–November

Open Access Scholars may attend one or multiple sessions throughout the year based on interest and availability.

What Scholars Will Gain

✔ Exposure to leadership development

✔ College and career awareness

✔ Life skills and decision-making tools

✔ Mental and emotional wellness strategies

✔ Safety and situational awareness education

✔ Positive adult role models and facilitators

✔ Connection to peers and community resources

Important Notes About Open Access Participation

Open Access Scholars:

• Are not enrolled in the full Compass cohort
• Do not receive assigned mentors or long-term tracking
• Do not participate in the full college tour or stipend opportunities
• Do not receive certificates or micro-credentials
• Do not participate in extra cohort opportunities (Socratic circles, Teen Outings, etc.)

However, Open Access sessions are designed to be meaningful, engaging, and impactful on their own, and to serve as an entry point into deeper opportunities when available.

Why Open Access Matters

Jump Start believes access should never be a barrier to growth. Monthly Open Access sessions ensure that any Scholar can step into a space of learning, leadership, and possibility, regardless of enrollment status.

These sessions create community, spark curiosity, and help Scholars begin imagining what’s next.

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