ASCENDER

Vision for the Project

The Ascender project is designed to expand educational opportunities and increase postsecondary achievement and success by proactively engaging Hispanic and low -income students in academic and professional experiences that prepare them for rewarding careers and futures. The purpose of this grant is to increase first-year retention and provide financial literacy. As well as strengthen institutional management through increased professional learning and development that will realign pedagogies and practices to regional hiring, and cultural needs, and connect SENMC students with High Impact advising, academic and career experiences within the first year of their college experience.

The ASCENDER Project is driven by three major objectives:

• Strengthen Hispanic and low-income students’ academic and professional success by creating an intentional First Year Experience, including FYE Courses, a First Year Experience Center, and holistic academic advising and non-cognitive supports, such as Peer Coaching/Mentoring.
•  Strengthen institutional management through increased professional learning and development that will realign pedagogies and practices to regional hiring, and cultural needs, and connect >90% of students with High Impact advising, academic and career experiences within the first year of their college experience.
•  Strengthen Fiscal Stability and community resilience through comprehensive postsecondary outreach and financial literacy.

Source: ASCENDER Project Abstract, 2019