The goal of Access to Achievement is to ensure students have access to academic programming that leads to increased employment outcomes with a fair wage. Students enrolled in Access to Achievement are working toward credentials, certificates, diplomas and/or degrees that will support their individual employment goals.

Programming at community colleges across North Carolina varies, but Access to Achievement students can be found in all areas including Curriculum, Workforce and Continuing Education, Human Resource Development, College and Career Readiness, College and Career Promise and Early College. Access to Achievement coordinators work with students to find the most appropriate entry point and support them as they move along their career pathway that will lead to their desired outcomes.