partnerships

Mason Enterprise and Akiak Technology establish strategic partnership to advance innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic opportunity

Katarina Benson — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 20:24:14 +0000

Mason Enterprise and Akiak Technology establish strategic partnership to advance innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic opportunity Katarina Benson Thu, 07/23/2026 - 16:24

Mason Enterprise^TM, 91��’s hub for innovation and entrepreneurial development, established a new partnership with Akiak Technology LLC, an Alaskan tribal-owned, mission-driven technology firm dedicated to delivering impactful artificial intelligence (AI) solutions while supporting Indigenous communities. The collaboration is formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and reflects a shared commitment to fostering business innovation, workforce development, and mutually beneficial growth opportunities.

Mason Enterprise and Akiak Technology will collaborate on technology and business development initiatives designed to expand access to entrepreneurial resources, training, and expertise, while creating new pathways to strengthen innovation ecosystems locally and nationally.

From left, Paula Sorrell, Sharon Hamer, and Kevin Hamer. Photo provided

“This partnership with Akiak Technology aligns with Mason Enterprise’s mission to support entrepreneurs and accelerate innovation,” said Paula Sorrell, associate vice president for innovation and economic development at George Mason. “By combining Mason Enterprise’s entrepreneur support programs, tech talent, and convening power with Akiak’s technology expertise and mission-driven approach, we are adding more building blocks in the Northern Virginia innovation corridor.”

Under the MOU, Mason Enterprise will provide Akiak Technology with access to its entrepreneur programs, innovation expertise, counseling and training resources, while facilitating collaboration across the university. Together, the organizations will identify mutually beneficial opportunities and explore pathways to support Akiak Technology’s business growth in alignment with its mission, including its commitment to its tribal community.

This synergy can speed up the translation of research and discoveries into products and services, addressing complex challenges in areas such as quantum computing, AI, health care technology, and energy. Akiak Technology will also offer strategic insight and feedback to Mason Enterprise programs and help identify opportunities for revenue-generating activities that further Mason Enterprise’s mission of supporting entrepreneurs and innovation-driven organizations.

“This partnership with Mason Enterprise represents an important step forward for Akiak Technology,” said Sharon Hamer, cofounder of Akiak Technology and enrolled Akiak tribal member. “Collaborating with a leading research university gives us access to world-class talent and new opportunities to expand our AI-driven innovations, while remaining true to our mission and values.”

Akiak’s CEO Kevin Hamer added, “Mason Enterprise helped us launch our first business years ago. Deepening this relationship allows us to tap into George Mason’s expansive network and innovation programming as we continue to grow as an AI product and solutions innovator.”

The public–private partnership strengthens technology transfer, supports federal research initiatives, enhances education and workforce readiness, and contributes to regional economic growth—particularly as demand for STEM talent continues to rise.

The collaboration underscores Mason Enterprise’s role as a connector between academia, industry, and community, and highlights Akiak Technology’s commitment to collaboration, innovation, and mission-driven growth.

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Northwest Federal Credit Union and George Mason Athletics expand partnership to advance student financial wellness on and off the court

Katarina Benson — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 21:07:58 +0000

Northwest Federal Credit Union and George Mason Athletics expand partnership to advance student financial wellness on and off the court Katarina Benson Thu, 06/18/2026 - 17:07

91�� Athletics and Northwest Federal Credit Union announced an expanded partnership that connects student-athletes with financial education, simple banking tools, and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities designed to support their success on campus, in the community, and after they graduate.

This collaboration was formally introduced at George Mason's inaugural Basketball Signing Day event. More than 200 fans, supporters, and community leaders gathered to celebrate the introduction of the 2026-27 men's and women's basketball teams.

Student-athletes at Basketball Signing Day. Photo by George Mason Athletics

As the Official Credit Union and Financial Wellness Partner for George Mason Athletics, Northwest is expanding its support beyond traditional sponsorship by helping student-athletes build financial confidence at a time when NIL earnings, personal branding, and early career decisions are becoming a big part of the college athletics experience. Participating student-athletes will open Northwest accounts, receive financial education and training, and serve as ambassadors promoting financial literacy across campus and throughout the Northern Virginia community.

"This expanded partnership marks an exciting step forward in how we support student-athletes during a pivotal moment in their journey," said Jeff Bentley, president and CEO at Northwest Federal Credit Union. "By combining these new NIL opportunities with financial education, we are helping equip them with the tools to make informed decisions today and build lasting success beyond the game. These student-athletes are inspiring the next generation, and Northwest is grateful to be part of making an impact in the community."

"Opportunities like this give our players experience in pursuing their sports career while also learning the practical skills to balance life," said Tony Skinn, BA Communication ’06, men's basketball head coach at George Mason. "Having access to financial education, professional development, and community connections helps maximize their time here at George Mason and set them up for the next chapter. Northwest has been an excellent partner to make that a reality for our teams."

Women's basketball head coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis added, "This is about developing the whole person. Even the term “student-athlete” represents our hope for each of these young people. We want their time with us to have been a season of life where they were fully supported to learn the most they can and be the best they can be. Financial education and life management resources are a critical part of that vision of helping our student-athletes build strong futures."

Basketball Signing Day is expected to become an annual tradition and serves as the first of several collaborative initiatives planned between George Mason Athletics and Northwest throughout the upcoming year.

Through this partnership, the credit union also became the first member of the "Starting 5" sponsors of George Mason Athletics' broader corporate partnership initiative, NOVA's Team. The platform connects organizations committed to building a stronger connection between student-athletes, businesses, and communities across Northern Virginia.

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Mason Korea students tackle real-world business challenges with Hyundai Premium Outlets

Katarina Benson — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 18:04:44 +0000

Mason Korea students tackle real-world business challenges with Hyundai Premium Outlets Katarina Benson Tue, 06/16/2026 - 14:04

Students at Mason Korea recently stepped into the role of marketing consultants for a day by tackling an ongoing business challenge presented by Hyundai Premium Outlets Songdo.

On June 2, 10 finalist teams gathered for the Mason Korea x Hyundai Premium Outlets Global Marketing Challenge Final Pitch, presenting innovative strategies aimed to enhance the outlets’ appeal to international visitors and younger consumers.

The grand prize team received the highest overall score for innovation and strategic alignment. Photo provided

Participants were encouraged to cover two themes: “Global Expansion Strategy” and “MZ Hotspot Activation Strategy.” All finalists demonstrated strong problem-solving skills by incorporating global consumer trends and local community characteristics of Songdo/Incheon while showcasing their knowledge of digital marketing. Teams were evaluated based on their understanding of target audiences, strategic relevance, and execution potential.

The Grand Prize was awarded to the team led by conflict analysis and resolution major Taeeun Kim, whose proposal received the highest overall score for innovation and strategic alignment. Their project was marketed toward the city’s immigrant population.

“By interviewing foreign residents in Songdo, we were able to understand the needs and challenges faced by people from diverse cultural backgrounds,” said Kim.

The Insight Prize was presented to business major Jiyoon Jeong for exceptional consumer and market analysis, while the Challenge Prize was awarded to the team led by business major Dongkyo Oh for introducing bold and creative ideas with strong future potential.

The Challenge Award team. Photo provided

“This project demonstrated the value of hands-on learning by allowing students to analyze global market trends and develop strategies for real-world business challenges,” said Joshua Park, campus dean of Mason Korea.

As Mason Korea continues to expand opportunities for experiential learning, programs like the Global Marketing Challenge play an important role in connecting students with industry partners and preparing them to become the next generation of global leaders.

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George Mason and U.S. Air Force partner to rapidly field emerging capabilities

Katarina Benson — Mon, 18 May 2026 16:49:02 +0000

George Mason and U.S. Air Force partner to rapidly field emerging capabilities Katarina Benson Mon, 05/18/2026 - 12:49

A partnership between 91�� and the United States Air Force is accelerating the development and real-world deployment of technologies designed to support Air Force personnel operating around the globe.

Through a collaboration with U.S. Air Forces Central Command (AFCENT), George Mason faculty and students are working alongside military personnel to test emerging technologies, train the workforce that will use them, and move promising innovations from the laboratory into operational environments.

The effort builds on an educational partnership agreement established in 2023 and has since grown into a broader research and workforce development collaboration. Since 2023, AFCENT has invested nearly $10 million at George Mason to support experimentation, prototyping, and operational validation of new capabilities.

Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink addressed senior civilian and military leaders from the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force financial management community, George Mason leadership and faculty, and AFCENT Futures Lab leaders at Fuse. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

“A priority of AFCENT was becoming a more data-driven headquarters, upskilling the workforce and building capabilities in areas like artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomy, drones, advanced sensors, and data analytics,” said Brett Josephson, who leads the university’s work with AFCENT. “They looked for a partner who could bring together both technology development and the education needed to actually field those capabilities.”

The partnership leverages expertise from multiple George Mason schools and colleges, including the College of Engineering and Computing and the Costello College of Business. Other units, such as the Schar School for Policy and Government and the College of Science, contribute when additional expertise is needed.

Josephson, associate provost of learning initiatives at George Mason and associate professor of marketing in the Costello College of Business, said the collaboration works in two directions. George Mason researchers share insights on emerging technologies they are studying, while AFCENT leaders bring operational challenges that require new solutions.

That approach helps address a persistent challenge in defense innovation often referred to as the “valley of death”—the gap between research and real-world use.

“Too often, technologies are developed but never make it into the hands of the people who need them,” Josephson said. “By working directly with an operational command, we’re helping bridge the technology transition gap between the lab and the field.”

Research projects focus on areas such as robotics, sensor integration, AI, data analytics, and computer vision. New technologies and emerging capabilities are tested in George Mason labs before moving into field experimentation and, ultimately, operational validation overseas.

The collaboration has also created significant opportunities for George Mason students. More than 25 faculty members and nearly 50 undergraduate and graduate students have participated in AFCENT-supported projects so far, funded through fellowships, assistantships, and student wage positions.

Students are able to test technologies in real-world environments, working alongside faculty teams at Air Force bases in exercises to identify vulnerabilities in defense systems.

“These experiences give students the chance to work on real problems with real operational implications,” Josephson said.

The collaboration also includes training initiatives for military personnel. George Mason faculty have helped develop specialized courses, including a mechatronics program that combines robotics with computer and software engineering to support AFCENT teams working with emerging technologies such as drones and advanced sensor systems.

Participants in the U.S. Air Force and George Mason collaboration. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of Unversity Branding

In 2025, AFCENT designated George Mason as a duty station—AFCENT Bravo—where Air Force personnel can work alongside PhD and graduate students to ensure research innovations are operationally relevant and that personnel are prepared to use them.

This partnership is unique in that it directly connects a university with an operational combat command, enabling researchers to work closely with those responsible for executing missions. That direct connection allows George Mason researchers to better understand operational needs and rapidly develop technologies that can be deployed in the field.

It also reflects George Mason’s broader strengths as a university located in the National Capital Region, where proximity to federal agencies, defense organizations, and industry partners creates opportunities for collaboration.

George Mason facilities, such as Fuse at Mason Square, which was designed to promote collaboration, have also played a role in bringing together government, academic, and industry partners to tackle emerging challenges. In one example, the partnership helped support a 72-hour Department of War hackathon hosted at Fuse that brought together hundreds of participants across four continents to rapidly develop and deploy defense assets.

“Innovation in today’s security environment has to move faster than ever,” Josephson said. “Partnerships like this allow us to bring together researchers, students, and operational experts to rapidly field emerging capabilities that help protect our service members and keep Americans safe.”

As the collaboration grows, George Mason leaders hope it will serve as a model for future partnerships between universities and national security organizations, demonstrating how research, education, and operational experience can combine to meet rapidly evolving global challenges.

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91��'s Costello College of Business and NABA Inc. join forces to develop the business leaders of tomorrow

Katelynn C Hipolito — Wed, 06 May 2026 19:02:19 +0000

91��'s Costello College of Business and NABA Inc. join forces to develop the business leaders of tomorrow Katelynn C Hipolito Wed, 05/06/2026 - 15:02

The Costello College of Business at 91�� and NABA Inc. today announced a new three-year community partnership grounded in a shared belief: when students, educators, and industry leaders grow together, entire communities—and the businesses that serve them—thrive. The collaboration will strengthen professional development, open new pathways for student success, and deepen connections across the regional and national business community.

Guylaine Saint Juste BA ‘94 (lower right), president and CEO, NABA Inc. is shown with panelists following a discussion focused on the people, policy, and leadership implications of AI adoption during Costello’s inaugural AI Symposium in October. Joining her on stage were (left to right): ) Interim Provost and Executive Vice President Ajay Vinzé, Associate Dean Patrick Soleymani, BS ’07, MBA ’09, Interim Dean Cheryl Druehl, Deloitte Principal Tasha Austin-Williams, Nashville Analytics CEO and co-founder James Suh, George Mason Chief AI Officer Amarda Shehu, and Boston Consulting Group Partner and Associate Director Rajiv Shenoy. Photo by Hannah Patterson/Costello College of Business.

The partnership will also create more points of connection between students, faculty, alumni, and business leaders. NABA Inc. will attend signature Costello events, including the Corporate and Community Partner Luncheon, Patriot Pitch Competition, and the Annual Business Celebration, designed to spark conversation, strengthen networks, and accelerate shared impact. A dedicated concierge service from Costello will support seamless engagement and ongoing collaboration with business faculty and students.

“Professional development is not a single event—it’s a promise we make to our students and to the business community. By working alongside NABA, we’re expanding access to mentorship, experiences, and networks that help talent flourish. When we invest in people and build community through collaboration, we create the conditions for consistent, long-term success—for our students, our partners, and the region we all share.”

—Patrick Soleymani, associate dean for outreach and strategic engagement at the Costello College of Business

NABA will recognize the Costello College of Business as the “Exclusive Academic Partner for NABA” on its website and in annual conference materials, amplifying the business college’s role in preparing the next generation of leaders. The partnership also expands opportunities for Costello students and faculty to engage with a national community of professionals through a premier presence at the NABA Annual Conference for the next three years.

“Professional development is not a single event—it’s a promise we make to our students and to the business community,” said Patrick Soleymani, associate dean for outreach and strategic engagement at the Costello College of Business. “By working alongside NABA, we’re expanding access to mentorship, experiences, and networks that help talent flourish. When we invest in people and build community through collaboration, we create the conditions for consistent, long-term success—for our students, our partners, and the region we all share.”

Guylaine Saint Juste, president and CEO of NABA Inc., added, “We are at an inflection point in business and in higher education. Students who are preparing to enter the workforce now are navigating a world that looks nothing like the one most of us trained for. This partnership ensures that they are not navigating it alone. They will be part of a community that invests in them and holds them to the highest standard.”

The partnership is effective from April 2026 through April 2029.

NABA Inc. is a leading organization dedicated to bridging the opportunity gap for underserved professionals in accounting, finance, data-analysis, AI, and related business professions.

For more information, please contact: Costello College of Business, Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations: 703-993-1176

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Eagle Scout project increases reach and functionality of Instruments in the Attic Program

Katarina Benson — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 21:37:23 +0000

Eagle Scout project increases reach and functionality of Instruments in the Attic Program Katarina Benson Tue, 04/21/2026 - 17:37

At the Mason Community Arts Academy (MCAA), a normally quiet Saturday in March was filled with the sounds of drills humming and stairs creaking as Boy Scouts and parents moved about the building. Scouts from Troop 1865 were on site to work on an Eagle Scout project led by Robinson High School sophomore Brendan Williamson to upgrade the storage for the academy’s Instruments in the Attic (IiA) Program.

Scouts working on the closet. Photo provided

Founded in 2008, Instruments in the Attic is a donation program through 91��’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, which has provided hundreds of instruments to music students at the university, in local high schools, across Virginia, and beyond.

A violinist at Robinson High School in Fairfax, Williamson wanted to work with IiA because of his passion for music and musical education. He heard about IiA from an adult in his troop.

“Many old instruments sitting unused in attics, basements, or closets go overlooked,” he said. “But each one has the potential to inspire a new musician who otherwise might not have access to musical education.”

Through his Eagle Scout project with Instruments in the Attic, Williamson helped collect, clean, and refurbish these instruments so they could find homes with aspiring musicians.

The new closet. Photo provided

From their initial meeting, Mary Lechter, MCAA executive director, and Lucas Kremer, coordinator of music programs and outreach, said they were impressed by Williamson’s ideas for the project, as well as his openness to their thoughts on what would be most beneficial to IiA. Throughout the planning and execution phases of the project, Lechter said Williamson showed initiative, leadership, and attention to detail beyond his years.

Williamson also reached out to local music stores, fellow students at Robinson, and members of his scout troop for instrument donations. He was able to collect 30 instruments.

For the construction portion of his project, Williamson and his team of 24 volunteers built new shelving for the instruments. Williamson also designed an online inventory system for the program to track and manage instrument repairs.

"Having the opportunity to make a positive impact, especially in an area that you are passionate about, is an incredible experience, and I am so lucky to have been able to work with the wonderful people at Instruments in the Attic and the Mason Arts Community Academy,” Williamson said.

Williamson and his fellow scouts and parents. Photo provided

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George Mason US–Korea delegation strengthens ties in Vietnam

Katarina Benson — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 19:54:32 +0000

George Mason US–Korea delegation strengthens ties in Vietnam Katarina Benson Wed, 04/15/2026 - 15:54

In a joint effort spanning 91��'s Fairfax and Korea campuses, a university delegation recently completed a five-day visit to Vietnam aimed at expanding academic partnerships and exploring new opportunities for collaboration across education, research, and student engagement.

The delegation included Janette Muir, vice provost for academic affairs; Cheryl Druehl, interim dean of the Costello College of Business; Joshua Park, campus dean of Mason Korea; and Danielle Swanepoel, executive director of international relations and strategic initiatives at Mason Korea.

The delegation with HUTECH University in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo provided

Over the course of the visit, the delegation met with leadership and faculty at seven institutions across Vietnam. Discussions focused on student mobility pathways, dual degree opportunities, faculty engagement, short-term programs, and collaborative research initiatives.

"Spending time with colleagues from George Mason in Vietnam was an incredibly rewarding experience," said Muir. "It was inspiring to see the connections being built with partner universities, and especially exciting to imagine how Mason Korea can serve as a gateway for Asian students seeking an American education. I'm very much looking forward to future articulation agreements with our partners."

A key highlight of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with HUTECH University in Ho Chi Minh City, a highly ranked institution with a strong focus on technology and innovation. The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between the two universities, opening the door for joint academic programs, faculty collaboration, research partnerships, and student mobility.

Janette Muir signing the Memorandum of Understanding with HUTECH. Photo provided

The delegation also met with Van Lang University, Dong A University, VNUK (VN-UK Institute for Research and Executive Education), and Saigon Business School, among others. These discussions explored articulation pathways for undergraduate students, short-term study programs in Korea and Vietnam, faculty exchanges, and potential joint conferences and seminars.

Another significant moment of the trip was the launch of the Mason Korea Debate Lab–Vietnam, an initiative designed to introduce high school students across Vietnam to international debate formats and critical thinking training. The program was formally launched through a showcase event hosted by EMASI Nam Long, the first partner institution to join the initiative. Two Mason Korea student debaters traveled from Korea to provide introductory coaching and participate in the showcase debate alongside EMASI students.

"This visit reflects a more intentional approach to George Mason's internationalization—connecting partnerships across academic programs, student pathways, and research," said Park. "The Debate Lab is one example of how we extend that engagement to younger students, building the critical thinking and global citizenship that are central to George Mason's mission."

The launch marks the beginning of what Mason Korea hopes will become an expanding program across Vietnam, offering debate training, judging opportunities, and future camps and competitions.

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George Mason launches Einstein Labs to accelerate AI, in partnership with the Einstein family

ckearney — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:55:39 +0000

George Mason launches Einstein Labs to accelerate AI, in partnership with the Einstein family ckearney Wed, 04/15/2026 - 10:55

91�� is launching a new artificial intelligence (AI)-focused accelerator housed in Fuse at Mason Square called Einstein Labs. A partnership between the Einstein family and Mason Enterprise, the lab will develop dual-use technologies for commercial big tech and government, initially focusing on three high-impact sectors: health, quantum, and cybersecurity technologies.

From left, Tad Einstein, Farhad Chowdhury, and Steven Einstein. Photo provided

“Ten years ago, we set out with one dream: to create a place where the Department of War could meet Silicon Valley, and today, that dream is being realized with Mason Enterprise,” said Farhad Chowdhury, Mason Enterprise board member and founder of George Mason’s Entrepreneur in Residence program. “Einstein Labs brings together the best of established and emerging technology, and the government in one place, enabling the region to lead on high-impact collaborations.”

The initiative establishes a framework for academic collaboration, joint innovation, and workforce development. Mason Enterprise and Einstein Labs will also work together to expand interdisciplinary research and development opportunities, and create new curriculum offerings across George Mason’s schools and programs.

Two prominent leaders are joining the George Mason and Einstein Labs initiative:

Steven Einstein—a 30-year mergers-and-acquisitions veteran and retired partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), now the newest board member of Mason Enterprise.
Tad Einstein—founder of Google Cloud's Explore platform and global head of immersive experiences, and now serving as George Mason’s newest Entrepreneur-in-Residence.

Tad Einstein referenced a quote often attributed to his ancestor, Albert Einstein, which describes the mission of Einstein Labs: "We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them."

He added, "Einstein Labs is anchored by the 'Innovation Diamond'—a strategic concentration of industry, academia, government, and capital within a single location. By uniting these four assets under one roof, the lab breaks down traditional silos to accelerate breakthroughs.”

“The Einstein family brings both deep industry experience and a strong track record of building scalable, market-driven solutions,” said Paula Sorrell, associate vice president of innovation and economic development at George Mason. “Fostering cross-sector collaborations is essential to responsible digital innovation.”

Mason Enterprise leads the university’s efforts to build an inclusive, high-functioning entrepreneurial ecosystem across the region. The division supports more than 30,000 startups, small businesses, researchers, and industry partners seeking to innovate and accelerate growth, with an annual audience of 58,000 event and workshop attendees and a $2.8 billion annual impact on the economy.

Einstein Labs is a for-profit accelerator dedicated to advancing breakthroughs in AI across quantum, cyber, and health sectors. With support from leaders in the U.S. government, big tech, and academia, the organization aims to build the nation’s premier dual-use AI innovation platform.

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Washington receives Incheon Mayor’s Award for contributing to a trusted Korea-U.S. global hub

Katarina Benson — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 19:32:29 +0000

Washington receives Incheon Mayor’s Award for contributing to a trusted Korea-U.S. global hub Katarina Benson Fri, 03/27/2026 - 15:32

91�� President Gregory Washington received the Incheon Mayor's award for his contributions in helping to raise Incheon's international profile through global cooperation, including the university’s Mason Korea campus.

Washington was recognized for his contributions in elevating Incheon's international standing through global cooperation, promoting the Incheon city brand through U.S. media, and contributing to various fields including the establishment of the Center for Korean Culture and Society at Mason Korea.

From left, Vice Provost Renate Guilford, Interim Provost and Executive Vice President Ajay Vinzé, Mason Korea Dean Joshua Park, President Gregory Washington, Junho Jeon, special advisor to the mayor of Incheon Metropolitan City, and Vice Provost Janette Muir. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Since opening its Korea campus in 2014, George Mason has maintained a cooperative relationship with Incheon City across a range of areas including research and community service. The university is currently conducting the Driving Urban Transitions (DUT) Project, an international joint research initiative on future-oriented urban planning, together with Incheon City and Seoul National University.

Through its Mason Cares program, the university also carries out ongoing community service activities, such as mural painting, global career camps, coastal cleanups, donations of daily necessities to local orphanages, and fuel briquette donations to low-income households.

"This award is a meaningful reflection of the close collaboration between 91�� and Incheon City,” Washington said. “We will continue to contribute to elevating Incheon's international standing through global education and research cooperation, and remain committed to expanding exchanges between our two countries."

Junho Jeon, special advisor to the mayor of Incheon Metropolitan City and chief of strategic content planning, and Mason Korea Campus Dean Joshua Park attended the award ceremony at the Fairfax Campus on March 26. "This award will serve as an opportunity to further strengthen our partnership with Incheon City,” said Park. “We will contribute to nurturing Korea-U.S. global talent and local development, and fulfill our role as a trusted Korea-U.S. global hub where students, researchers, businesses, and institutions collaborate and grow together."

Mason Korea is an extended campus of George Mason, the largest public research university in Virginia. George Mason’s proximity to Washington, D.C., makes it a talent pipeline for government agencies, global corporations, and leading IT companies, providing students with a favorable environment for building internship and employment networks in the United States.

George Mason ranked 32nd among U.S. public universities and 71st overall among the Wall Street Journal’s best colleges rankings. The Korea campus offers the same curriculum and degrees as the U.S. campus, and students have the opportunity to spend one year studying at the U.S. campus to gain global experience.

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In its first year, ACCESS Academy doubles applications and delivers strong academic results

ckearney — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 19:44:46 +0000

In its first year, ACCESS Academy doubles applications and delivers strong academic results ckearney Thu, 03/26/2026 - 15:44

In its first year, 91��’s Accelerated College and Employability Skills (ACCESS) Academy is already demonstrating strong indicators of demand, academic rigor, and early student achievement. Interest in the program has grown rapidly. For the 2026-27 admissions cycle, ACCESS received 387 applications from ninth graders, double the 193 applications submitted the previous year.

With only 30 seats available for the incoming ninth-grade cohort, the program has quickly become one of the most selective emerging innovation pathways in the region. Participation in the program allows advanced freshmen in high school to take college classes.

In December, ACCESS Academy students demonstrated projects and discussed their experiences with then-Virginia Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera in a robotics lab at Fuse at Mason Square. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Early academic outcomes among the inaugural cohort also reflect the program’s rigor. The current ninth-grade ACCESS Academy class maintains an average GPA of 3.72, demonstrating strong performance across a curriculum that integrates advanced technical coursework with core high school instruction. These early indicators highlight the momentum behind the academy and the role of George Mason and its College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) in developing research-informed, workforce-aligned learning models for secondary education.

One of the most significant milestones for the academy this year is the launch of its first dual enrollment course. Thirty-seven ACCESS Academy ninth-graders are currently enrolled in a Python programming course offered through Northern Virginia Community College. Introducing a college-level computing course at the ninth-grade level represents an acceleration point within the academy’s academic pathway, providing students with foundational programming skills relevant to software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data science.

Potomac Falls High School teacher Matt Wax, one of the academy instructors, said launching a new academic model required both flexibility and innovation in instructional practice. “Because the program is brand new, there aren’t many existing resources to draw from,” Wax said. “We’ve had to adapt instruction in real time, creating opportunities for students to think outside the box while adjusting expectations and course design as the program evolves.”

Early implementation has also highlighted the collaborative learning environment developing among students. While some ninth-graders are adjusting to the rigor of college-level coursework, Wax noted that peer support has become an important element of the classroom culture. “It’s been encouraging to see students who are doing well step up to help classmates who are struggling,” he said. “That willingness to support one another is one of the most positive outcomes so far.”

In addition to rigorous coursework, ACCESS students are already engaging in technical and professional learning opportunities beyond the classroom. Last fall, 31 ACCESS Academy students attended the BSidesNoVA Cyber Security/Hacker Conference, where they participated in sessions focused on cybersecurity tools, ethical hacking, and emerging digital threats. Participation in professional cybersecurity conferences at the ninth-grade level represents a distinctive feature of the academy’s early exposure model.

In the summer of 2025, ACCESS Academy offered an AI Camp to 9th through 12th graders at Fuse at Mason Square. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Thirty ACCESS students participated in Virginia CyberSlam 2026, an event sponsored by George Mason’s Cyber Security Engineering Department and Loudoun County Public Schools. The event challenged students to apply cybersecurity concepts in simulated threat-response scenarios and collaborative problem-solving environments.

ACCESS students have also had opportunities to present their learning to state-level education leaders. During a recent visit to Fuse at Mason Square, students demonstrated projects and discussed their experiences with former Virginia Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera, providing visibility for the academy’s instructional model and student work.

At the curricular level, ACCESS Academy is emerging as a leader within Virginia’s expanding lab school network through its use of problem-based learning as core instructional framework. Rather than relying on traditional lecture-based instruction, students engage with complex, real-world problems that require research, collaboration, and iterative design. This curriculum model, developed with support from CEHD faculty, is attracting statewide attention.

Faculty affiliated with the program will present the ACCESS Academy curriculum framework at the upcoming Innovation Summit hosted by Old Dominion University, highlighting how the academy integrates computing education, interdisciplinary learning, and research-based instructional design.

For instructors, one of the most notable aspects of the program has been the diversity of students who have chosen to participate. Wax observed that the inaugural cohort includes a wide range of ability levels, interests, and backgrounds, creating opportunities for varied perspectives within collaborative learning environments. The program’s rapid growth in applications reflects the special opportunities it provides, he added.

“ACCESS offers opportunities free of charge that many students might not otherwise have access to,” he said. “For students who are looking for something different from a traditional model of schooling, it offers an accelerated and more professionally oriented pathway.”

“What we’re seeing with ACCESS Academy is early evidence of what becomes possible when we design learning as a connected pathway rather than a series of disconnected experiences,” explained Ingrid Guerra-Lopez, dean of CEHD, who led the vision and design of ACCESS Academy. “ACCESS is giving us a living platform to study and continuously improve how teaching and learning can better prepare students for the complexity of the future. This model invites us to rethink readiness not as something that begins after high school, but as something we intentionally build across the entire educational ecosystem.”

This initiative supports the Advancing 21st-Century Education for All solution of George Mason's Grand Challenge Initiative

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91��'s Costello College of Business and NABA Inc. join forces to develop the business leaders of tomorrow

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Eagle Scout project increases reach and functionality of Instruments in the Attic Program

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partnerships

Mason Enterprise and Akiak Technology establish strategic partnership to advance innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic opportunity

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Northwest Federal Credit Union and George Mason Athletics expand partnership to advance student financial wellness on and off the court

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Mason Korea students tackle real-world business challenges with Hyundai Premium Outlets

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George Mason and U.S. Air Force partner to rapidly field emerging capabilities

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91����'s Costello College of Business and NABA Inc. join forces to develop the business leaders of tomorrow

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Eagle Scout project increases reach and functionality of Instruments in the Attic Program

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George Mason US–Korea delegation strengthens ties in Vietnam

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George Mason launches Einstein Labs to accelerate AI, in partnership with the Einstein family

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Washington receives Incheon Mayor’s Award for contributing to a trusted Korea-U.S. global hub

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In its first year, ACCESS Academy doubles applications and delivers strong academic results

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91��'s Costello College of Business and NABA Inc. join forces to develop the business leaders of tomorrow