AAP honors

The Access and Achievement Program strives to recognize our students' dedication to their personal and educational development. We are committed to the following honors recognition and partnerships for students in the Access and Achievement Program.

Graduation recognition

In response to an increasing number of request from program participants to receive AAP recognition at graduation, AAP has begun awarding a cord to our graduating seniors. In providing this type of recognition, our goal is to honor their leadership and scholastic achievements as well as to signal our sustained partnership as they move from students to alumni. AAP seniors, who are on the official college's pending degree list, can pick up their cord during finals of each term in the AAP Office in 2002 Lincoln Hall.

Graduating with college honors

• LAS Honors
• College distinctions

National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS)

The Access and Achievement Program is a part of the National Society of Leadership and Success, the largest leadership honor society in the United States. Our NSLS chapter at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign was started in 2016. Our local chapter is part of the national organization with 700+ chapters and over 1.4 million members. Please visit the NSLS website for more information about the society.

Students are selected based on exemplary academic achievement. As of 2021 we have 440 members who have access to:

• More than $400,000 in scholarships
• An exclusive NSLS job board
• A personalized letter of recommendation 

The NSLS leadership program teaches the interpersonal skills that employers seek to give you an edge in the job market. Hear directly from current members as they share how their experience has changed their life.

If you become a member, some of the other benefits include:

• Learning from exceptional leaders like former President Barack Obama during exclusive Speaker Broadcasts
• Meeting new friends and make lifelong connections (on-campus and virtually)
• Overcoming challenges with success coaches shortcutting your way to success
• Accessing private networking events

Visit the NSLS website to learn more about and accept your nomination. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Some of the common questions we receive are listed below. If you have any other questions, visit nsls.org to chat with a team member or email help@nsls.org.