Nyah Project

Students need more than strong grades and applications. They need people, tools, and guidance they can turn to throughout the process.

In our latest Accelerate Access article, Nyah Project founder Leigh-Ann Buchanan breaks down the six conditions that help build a stronger college support system.

Access Online, powered by Nyah Project, is one part of that ecosystem—providing practical tools and on-demand guidance for students, families, and college access practitioners.

Read the full article on Medium and follow us for a new college access article each month; link in Bio.

Explore Access Online at accessonline.nyahproject.org

For Nyah Project Fellow Bianca Cadet, participating in SHPEP at UTHealth offered more than an introduction to healthcare. It gave her the opportunity to enter a professional environment, connect with people in the field, and learn through direct experience.

Bianca shares that she initially felt nervous, but the program’s support—including removing concerns about transportation, food, and other costs—allowed her to participate fully and focus on learning.

She completed the experience with greater confidence, a stronger sense of possibility, and gratitude for the opportunity to explore healthcare firsthand.

Bianca’s reflection shows why access matters: when barriers are reduced, students have more room to learn, participate, and imagine where their interests could take them.

Impact isn't just numbers. It's preparation, mentorship, leadership, opportunity, and the people who keep showing up for students.

Each outcome represents more than a statistic. It represents a student with more choices, an alum whose journey continues to inspire, a mentor who helped clarify the process, and a partner who invested in access.

This is what college access looks like when mission becomes movement.

Leadership within a fellowship is not limited to one role or moment. It can also look like listening, participating, and helping others engage more fully in the experience.

Iris’s contribution as a Peer Facilitator reflects the kind of leadership Nyah Project seeks to cultivate: leadership practiced in community and strengthened through exchange.

We’re so grateful to have had them as part of this fellowship journey - from the initial selections process to Morocco and everything in between!

A strong fellowship is shaped not only by the experience itself, but by the people who move through it together.

As a Peer Facilitator, Elijah helped create space for connection, reflection, and shared learning throughout the journey. We’re so grateful for the care and perspective he brought to our fellows and community.

The 2025 admissions cycle reminded us that college access isn't just about getting into college—it's about navigating uncertainty.

As policies shifted, financial aid timelines changed, and families faced important decisions with less clarity, students needed more than information. They needed the ability to evaluate their options, understand tradeoffs, and make confident decisions about their future.

That's why we believe college readiness extends beyond applications. Building strategy, financial literacy, and decision-making skills helps students navigate a process that continues to evolve.

The Class of 2025 shows what's possible when preparation is paired with the right support. Their outcomes are a reflection of thoughtful planning, persistence, and a commitment to making informed choices every step of the way.

Learn more about how Nyah Project and Access Online help students navigate the college admissions journey through the link: https://accessonline.nyahproject.org/courses/welcome

Every fellowship is shaped not only by where we go, but by the local people we meet along the way.

A heartfelt thank you to Rachid, Mohamed, and Anass for welcoming our Fellows with the most incredible hospitality and guiding us throughout Morocco.

The connections built throughout this journey are an important part of what makes each fellowship meaningful, and we’re so grateful to have shared this experience together. You were more than just a hosts, a translator, or a driver; you became family.

Thank you for being part of our story. 🤍

You are not expected to begin the college admissions process already knowing how to write a standout personal statement, request a strong recommendation letter, prepare for an interview, or navigate financial aid.

These are skills you build—and knowing where to find the right support can keep one unanswered question from becoming a missed deadline or opportunity.

Access Online gives students courses, coaching, and planning resources to help them approach each step with greater clarity and confidence throughout the 120-day lock-in period.

Explore Access Online through the link: https://accessonline.nyahproject.org/courses/welcome