All-Access Initiative

Supporting Pathways to Higher Education
All Access Initiative - Charles River Associates All-Access is CRA’s initiative dedicated to expanding educational opportunities and supporting future talent in business, economics, and STEM. Through strategic programs and partnerships, the Initiative aims to provide students demonstrating academic excellence, strong leadership, and financial need with greater access to learning experiences and career pathways in these fields.

By fostering talent, creating opportunities, and expanding access to academic and professional development, All-Access equips these students with the knowledge and skills needed to advance in their studies, pursue their career goals, and contribute to the workforce of the future.

Scholarship Program

The All-Access Scholarship provides financial support to students pursuing studies in business, economics, and STEM. Each year, 12 students from universities across the U.S. and the U.K. are selected through a competitive process that considers academic achievement, leadership, and financial need. This award helps recipients further their education and advance their career aspirations.

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Our Partnerships

We partner with leading organizations across the globe to support pathways to higher education.

  • Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP)
    Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP)

    KIPP is a network of free, open-enrollment college-preparatory schools serving students in low-income communities across the U.S., including one just outside of Boston.

    Through our partnership with KIPP Massachusetts (KIPP-MA), we host a half-day corporate tour at our Boston headquarters, offering high school students a firsthand look at careers in a global professional services firm. During their visit, students engage with CRA leaders and analysts, gaining insights into consulting and the skills needed to succeed in the industry.

    We also offer paid summer internships for college-bound high school seniors interested in economics and consulting. Selected candidates, following a comprehensive interview process, spend part of their summer at CRA’s Boston office working within one of our corporate departments, gaining valuable experience in a professional setting.

    Meet our 2024 Rising Freshman Interns

    Learn more about our program

  • QuestBridge

    QuestBridge connects high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds with educational opportunities at top colleges and universities across the U.S. Through scholarships and year-round support, QuestBridge provides students with the resources they need to excel academically and professionally.

    As part of our partnership, we identify QuestBridge scholars for our Research Scholar Summer Internship Program, which offers rising juniors hands-on experience in consulting. Interns develop practical skills, gain exposure to the industry, and work alongside professionals in a dynamic business environment. This partnership serves a dual purpose: expanding opportunities for promising students while strengthening the pipeline of skilled talent for the future.

    Consulting Careers Begin Here: CRA’s Research Scholar Program

    Learn more about our program

  • American Economic Association Summer Program (AEA)
    American Economic Association (AEA)

    As part of our commitment to advancing the field of economics, CRA partners with the American Economic Association (AEA) to support initiatives that broaden access to graduate education and careers in economics.

    One key aspect of this partnership is CRA’s participation in the AEA Summer Program (AEASP), which provides students with the academic training and professional exposure needed to pursue doctoral studies and careers in economics. Each year, CRA hosts AEASP fellows at our Washington, D.C., office, offering them an eight-week immersive fellowship within one of our practice areas. Fellows gain hands-on experience in applied research, receive mentorship from CRA professionals, and explore real-world applications of economic consulting.

    Through this partnership, CRA helps develop future economists while strengthening the pipeline of skilled talent entering the profession.

  • SEO London

    We are proud to partner with Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO London), an organization dedicated to providing education, training, and mentorship to students from socioeconomically challenged backgrounds across the U.K. This collaboration encourages students to explore careers in consulting, particularly in the economics and financial services sectors.

    As part of our partnership, students across the U.K. are invited to participate in a virtual “Masterclass,” which provides an in-depth look at our firm’s culture, career opportunities, and potential career paths. Each fall, we also take part in the “Autumn Consulting Panel,” where students gain valuable insights into the consulting industry, preparing them for internships, postgraduate studies, and early career opportunities.

    To date, hundreds of students have benefited from these initiatives, gaining exposure to the consulting profession and developing skills for future success.