ACCESS Microscholarship Program in Moldova Fast Facts

ACCESS Microscholarship Program is an innovative opportunity for teenagers from economically disadvantaged environment of the regions of Moldova to benefit from free foreign language courses and to develop intercultural skills and communication. ACCESS Program launched in April, 2011, and is is implemented and funded by U.S. Government in the American Corners from Ceadir-Lunga, Ungheni, Balti and the region of Rezina / Ribnita.

Eligible participants are 80 teenagers of 14-16 years old at the beginning of the program, with average knowledge of English, and being residents of Ungheni, Balti, Ciadir-Lunga, and Rezina or Ribnita. Participants are selected on basis of SLEP test results, and considering gender factor (half boys and half girls). On April, 2011 there were recruited 80 students, 4 local teachers of English, and 4 Flex Alumni to participate in the program. The instructive philosophy of ACCESS is Project-based Instruction, where teenagers are involved in different online activities and projects, thus, contributing to their digital competence development.

Participants attend classes two times per week for two years, receiving all necessary educational materials within direct class contact, and also via Skype sessions. The classes are managed by 4 local teachers and assisted by 4 FLEX Alumni. During summer the students are invited to a 4-week leadership camp to participate in different instructive and extracurricular activities covering General English topics and US civilizations, thus promoting an active learning in a student friendly atmosphere, applying innovative and creative teaching techniques.

Program graduates who have attended classes regularly, have shown good success in English, appropriate behavior and actively participated in all activities will receive special certificates from the U.S. Embassy. ACCESS students gain an appreciation for American culture and democratic values, increase their ability to participate successfully in the socio-economic development of their countries, and gain the ability to compete for and participate in future U.S. exchange and study programs. To promote the ACCESS philosophy and to keep teachers updated with all up-todate techniques to use in ACCESS classes. For this reason, once in 3 months there are organized seminars for local teachers discussing topics regarding methodical development.