English Access Scholarship Program (The Access) is a U.S. Department of State-sponsored program that provides a foundation of English language skills to talented 13-20-year-old students who are from economically disadvantaged sectors for approximately 2 years. Participants gain an opportunity to learn English language skills and appreciation to the U.S. culture and democratic values, build personal development skills, and participate in community service initiatives. The program is a U.S. Government public diplomacy initiative demonstrating this country’s dedication to education, culture and mutual understanding. Access students reap significant benefits from the program, as improved English language skills open a window to a broader world of ideas and opportunities, increase academic opportunities for higher-level education, allow students to better contribute to the socio-economic success of their families and communities, improve chances of qualification for U.S. Government-sponsored and other exchange programs and enhance employment prospects. This program has been implemented by the Nepal English Language Teachers' Association (NELTA) in Nepal since 2011.
The maximum number of students in each Access Center is 40, which is further divided into 20 for each classroom. The teaching contents for after school instruction is finalized in accordance with learners' level, avilability of the textbooks as reference materials, and teachers are free to adapt it to their local context and deliver it accordingly in an alignment with Access guidelines. NELTA and Regional English Language Office, U.S. Embassy Kathmandu work together for content's quality and its adaptability for better outcomes of the program. NELTA verifies that the selected students are from economically challenged households through interviewing their parents and often cross check its information through the communication with school principals, teachers and other stakeholders, if required.
Currently, 200 students are studying under this program. 20 Access Teachers are working in five different locations in Lalitpur, Palpa, Saptari, Sindhuli and Udayapur districts of Nepal.
| Access Center | Location | Host School/Institution |
| Lalitpur Access Center | Lalitpur Metropolitan City-2, Sanepa | Tika Vidyashram Secondary School |
| Palpa Access Center | Tansen Municipality 3, Basantapur | Janta Secondary School |
| Saptari Access Center | Rajbiraj Municipality 5, Rajbiraj | Public Bindeshwari Secondary School |
| Sindhuli Access Center | Kamalamai Municipality 5, Phosretar | Siddhajyoti Education Campus |
| Udayapur Access Center | Triyuga Municipality, Ward No. 11, Gaighat | Triyuga Model Secondary School |
Some highlights of the Access program are:
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The Access Program, which is in more than 85 countries in the world with more than 95,000 students have participated, has been launched in four different locations in Nepal.
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There are altogether 10 groups of students consisting of 20 students in each. In all groups, an equal gender balance (10 male and 10 female students) has been maintained. At the same time, 24 students are selected in each group where 20 students will complete the course whereas the rest of them are alternative candidates who can be substituted if any of the students drop out.
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Each classroom has been staffed by two Access teachers who are proficient in English and receive specific, Access-focused teacher training from NELTA professional teacher trainers.
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The syllabus was developed by a team of experts from NELTA considering Our World Book 5 and 6 as the main reference books.
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The selected students are either beginners or at a slightly higher level in English, which was assessed through a proficiency test that was administered during the selection process.
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The students for the Access are selected from the public schools in all centers.
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The program has received a warm welcome from the schools where they are studying and the community where the students come from.
This program addresses three main areas
a. English Language Acquisition
Students will develop the four traditional skills with a special emphasis placed on listening comprehension and oral production which are normally ignored in their regular English classes in schools due to the paper-pencil test system. In this program, students will learn how to speak proper English and develop appropriate reading and writing skills by being exposed to a variety of texts and writing tasks.
b. Culture
One key element of the program is to familiarize students with some important features of U.S. culture compared with Nepali culture. Students are encouraged to develop respect for and interest in other cultures, customs and beliefs.
c. Personal Development
Various elements of the program seek to foster students’ personal development, with a special focus on community service. The aim is to work towards a balanced intellectual and emotional development so that students will be better prepared to assume an active role in their communities.
Semester Course Components
The semester program will be structured on a weekly basis:
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Face-to-face classes (1.5 hours twice a week after school) Total: 3 hours
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Multimedia classes (Saturdays) Total: 2.5 hours
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Total Weekly: 5.5 hours
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Minimum Entry Requirements
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The program is designed for public school students, between 13 to 16 years of age, who have a minimal knowledge of English. This program is exclusively directed at economically challenged youth. An equal gender balance (half girls, half boys) will be achieved at all sites. The following is a list of minimum requirements.
| Educational Establishment | Public high school |
| Age | 13 – 16 years old |
| Entry Requirement | Minimal knowledge of English (High / middle beginner) |
| Socio-Economic status | Economically Challenged |
| Academic Performance | Students' with high interest for learning may be recruited, however they need to attend placement test |
The Access Teachers
There are 4 teachers in each Access Center. They are highly experienced and well-trained. In general, they receive training and workshops before the program and during the program by the NELTA and the U.S. Embassy. They have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in English.
Detail Information for the Public and Stakeholders:
CLICK HERE to know detail information about the program which is expected to serve as a slide for public hearing too.
For further information:
Sudip Neupane
Access Program Coordinator
Email: accessco@nelta.org.np / accessconelta@gmail.com
Phone: +977-1-4720455 (Ext. 105) / Mobile No.: +977-9860630412
Blog: http://englishaccessnepal.wordpress.com
Facebook page: English Access Microscholarship Program, Nepal / https://www.facebook.com/accessnpl