News and Events | George Mason University

News

September 15, 2026

Electrical engineering student Toan Do is exploring his passion for robotics through research, leadership, and hands-on experiences at George Mason. This summer, he brought that experience to ACCESS Academy, mentoring high school students while developing his own skills as an emerging engineer and leader. Read more...

Future inventors and innovators get hands-on with George Mason's summer programs

August 24, 2026

The second annual ACCESS Academy AI summer camp prepares students for the future of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. Read more...

ACCESS Academy featured by Old Dominion University’s Center for Educational Innovation and Opportunity in their 2025-2026 Year in Review of Virginia College Partnership Lab Schools

August 17, 2026

Across the Virginia Lab School Network, ACCESS Academy and others are moving from concept to practice by building programs that are interdisciplinary, career-connected, and aligned to regional priorities. Read more...

From Code to Physical AI: Near-Peer Mentors Bring Robotics to Life at ACCESS Academy Artificial Intelligence Summer Camp

August 14, 2026

For high school students at ACCESS Academy Artificial Intelligence (AI) Summer Camp, learning alongside George Mason University undergraduate mentors provides a near-peer perspective on robotics, artificial intelligence, and pathways to higher education. Read more...

ACCESS Academy Students Refurbish Computers to Serve Their Community

June 11, 2026

The opportunity to serve the Loudoun County community came to life this spring through a computer refurbishment project that challenged ACCESS Academy students to prepare 100 used laptops for distribution to graduating seniors and other learners in need. Read more...

ACCESS Academy Students Experience College Coursework through NOVA Online

April 28, 2026

This spring, 36 Loudoun County 9th graders are embarking on their first college course. The students are enrolled in ITP 150: Python Programming through Northern Virginia Community College. Read more...

ACCESS Academy Spotlight: Moaz Shaikh

April 20, 2026

Encouraging student success through ACCESS Academy’s peer tutoring.
ACCESS Academy’s built-in peer tutoring model ensures students are supported as they take on advanced, college-level coursework. Through his role supporting the Dual Enrollment Python course, Moaz Shaikh helps bring that model to life, working alongside ninth-grade students as they build programming and problem-solving skills. Read more...

Old Dominion University’s Center for Educational Innovation and Opportunity Features ACCESS Academy in its 2025-2026 Mid-Year Report of Virginia Lab Schools

March 20, 2026

Across Virginia, college partnership lab schools are taking shape as a coordinated effort to strengthen education through partnerships and innovation. At the mid-point of the 2025-2026 academic year, ACCESS Academy early results point to strong student engagement, meaningful college credit earned before graduation, and high-performance in academically rigorous coursework. Read more...

In Its First Year, ACCESS Academy Doubles Applications and Delivers Strong Academic Results

March 19, 2026

ACCESS Academy is gaining rapid momentum in its inaugural year, with applications nearly doubling for 2026–27 and students achieving a 3.72 average GPA in a rigorous, integrated curriculum. Early college coursework and hands-on learning experiences are positioning students at the intersection of high school, higher education, and emerging technical fields. Read more...

ACCESS Academy Students Dive Into Real-World Cyber Challenges at CyberSlam 2026

March 12, 2026

Thirty ninth-graders from ACCESS Academy connected with experts from government, industry and higher education while exploring the tools and technologies shaping today’s cybersecurity workforce Read more...

Upcoming Events

September 17, 2026: Learn about ACCESS Academy at LCPS’s Special Program Fair 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Heritage High School
September 23, 2026: ACCESS Academy Back-to-School Night 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
October 3, 2026: Learn about ACCESS Academy at LCPS’s Special Program Fair 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Park View High School
December 1, 2026: Interest window opens for 2027-2028 ACCESS Academy enrollment