The ACCESS (Academic Commitment Creates Empowered Successful Students) program was created by a team of Garfield teachers in 2007. Their goal is to help students prepare for and be successful in college. ACCESS courses in math, science, social studies, and English were created with a focus on rigor and the knowledge and skill levels students need upon entering college. Tutors help students with the accelerated work and ACCESS students are required to attend after-school tutoring sessions. They visit local university campuses and can attend and observe various college level classes. ACCESS students are empowered to find success in their post-high school education.