The ‘English Access Microscholarship Program (Access Program)’ is implemented by Nepal English Language Teachers’ Association (NELTA) and sponsored by the U.S. Embassy/the U.S. Department of State. It provides a foundation of English language skills and leadership skills to talented 13 to 16-year-old students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds through two-year of after-school instruction and intensive sessions. Access students also gain an appreciation for the U.S. culture and democratic values through enhancement activities. A greater sensitivity to cultural differences, coupled with the acquired English language skills, will enable the participants to take advantage of opportunities that were previously unavailable to them. The 400-hour, two-year program consists of 36 weeks per year, in addition to a 40 hour Youth Leadership Development Summer Camp. The students will also be introduced to U.S. education system, particularly the materials that U.S. children learn in their schools. Since the program includes the students from disadvantaged ethnic minorities, they are given ample opportunities to interact in English on the issues of ethnic tolerance, individual freedom, human rights, gender equity and participate in events organized to promote and develop sensitivity on such issues.
The maximum number of students in each classroom is 20. The curriculum, based on a ‘needs assessment’ that was administered at the beginning of the program, was exclusively designed for the Access students. NELTA verified that the selected students were from economically disadvantaged households by visiting their homes, speaking to their school principals, teachers, and neighbors, and conducting in-person interviews with family members.
Access program was first implemented by NELTA in three districts: Kathmandu, Gorkha and Parsa. Since then it has been extended to 31 districts namely: Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Makwanpur, Gorkha, Rupandehi, Kanchanpur, Surkhet, Kaski, Morang, Sunsari, Banke, Dang, Dhading, Gulmi, Dhanusha, Parsha, Kailali, Jhapa, Ilam, Nuwakot, Kapilvastu, Nawalpur, Syangja, Bajhang, Dolakha, Siraha, Tanahun, Bhaktapur, Chitwan, Lamjung and Udayapur. This program is being implemented in 5 locations and they are Bhaktapur, Chitwan, Kaski, Lamjung, and Udayapur for the year 2023-2024.
There are 200 students studying under this program for the year 2023-2024 and they are instructed by 20 Access Teachers in 5 different locations.
- The Access Program, which is in more than 85 countries in the world with more than 95,000 students participated, has been launched in different locations in Nepal.
- Since its inception in February 2011, Access Program has spread to 31 districts of Nepal by 2023-2024. More than 1500 students have been graduated from the two-year Access program. There are 200 students studying in 5 locations (Bhaktapur, Chitwan, Kaski, Lamjung, and Udayapur) for the year 2023-2024.
- There are altogether 10 groups of students consisting 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 were selected in each group where 20 students were selected for regular class and the rest of them (4 students) were alternative candidates who can be substituted if any of the students drop out within the 3 months of the commencement.
- Each classroom has been staffed by two Access Teachers (1 male & 1 female) who are proficient in English and receive specific, Access-focused teacher training from NELTA professional teacher trainers.
- The curriculum was developed/updated by a team of experts from NELTA.
- 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.
- The students for the Access will be selected from the public/community schools in all centers.
- The program has received a warm welcome from the schools where they are studying and the community where the students come from.
- This English Language learning program is a joint effort between NELTA and the U.S. Embassy, Kathmandu to develop English language proficiency and cultural understanding for economically disadvantaged students throughout Nepal.
- The English language proficiency skills gained through this program open up future possibilities that would otherwise have been unavailable. Students are more prepared to take an active part in their community and pursue further professional and educational pursuits.
For more information, please visit:
English Access Microscholarship Program: Through the Access program, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has helped 110,000 students in over 85 countries since its inception in 2004.
U.S. Embassy Kathmandu, Regional English Language Office: This office oversees many projects that aim to increase communication and mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and the people of Nepal.
English Access Microscholarship Program, Nepal 