Ascender

Ascender helps first-generation, minority and lower-income students graduate from college and transfer to the university of their choice.

This program is offered for free and is currently accepting applications.

Why Join?

College can often feel overwhelming. We're here to offer you a network of support - advisors, instructors, mentors and classmates who care about your dreams too.

• Course Options

  Pre-Ascender

  For students who qualify for INRW 0020
  TSIA2 Scores:
  ENGLISH: CRC 910-944/DL 1-4
  MATH: CRC 910-934/DL 1-3

  • Learning Frameworks, EDUC 1300 or PSYC 1300
  • Integrated Reading and Writing, INRW 0020
  • Math: MATH 0100
    or MATH 0442

  Ascender

  For students who qualify for INRW 0030
  TSIA2 Scores:
  ENGLISH: CRC 945-990/Essay 0-4
  MATH: CRC 935-949 or CRC 910-949/DL 4

  • Learning Frameworks, EDUC 1300 or PSYC 1300
  • Integrated Reading and Writing, INRW 0030
  • English, ENGL 1301 ENGL 1301
  • Math: MATH 0100
    or MATH 1414 (+ MATL 0014)
    or MATH 1442 (+ MATL 0042)

  Academic Ascender

  For students who are TSI Complete & qualify for ENGLISH 1301
  TSIA2 Scores:
  ENGLISH: CRC 945-990/ Essay 5-8 or CRC 910-944/DL 5-6/ Essay 5-8
  MATH: CRC 950+ or CRC 910-949/DL6

  • Learning Frameworks, EDUC 1300 or PSYC 1300
  • English, ENGL 1301 ENGL 1301
  • Math: MATH 0100
    or MATH 1414 (+ MATL 0014)
    or MATH 1442 (+ MATL 0042)

  Beyond the first year:

  • Ascender History HIST 1301 and HIST 1302
  • Ascender Political Science GOVT 2305 and GOVT 2306
• FAQs
  • Why join Ascender?

    You will join a cohort of students just like you that want to obtain a degree and transfer to a four-year institution.

    You will be able to network with community mentors who will assist you in your educational journey.

  • What is the Ascender Program goal for students?

    The goal is to help students reach goals and obtain a degree and transfer to a four-year university and beyond.

  • Is there an extra fee to participate in the Ascender Program?

    There are no additional fees to participate in the program, other than the usual costs to attend the college.

  • How do I qualify to be in the Ascender Program?
    1. Fill out an application.
    2. Attend a phone or in person interview.
    3. Join the program.
  • Who will conduct the phone/in-person interviews?

    Interviews will be conducted by Guided Pathway Specialists and/or Program Professors.

  • When is the best time to apply?

    It is best to apply in the spring semester of your high school graduation.

  • What will be my time commitment?

    Besides the time you are in class and the time you spend studying, you will also be expected to be involved in extracurricular activities, program events, university tours and community events.

  • How long will I be in the Ascender Program?

    The program commitment is for two semesters, but once you are an Ascender Scholar you will always be an Ascender Scholar. There will also be Ascender core courses offered beyond the second semester, but those will be optional.