An exciting path to earning your degree
¡Join our Familia!
Ascender is a year-long (Fall to Spring) free academic transfer-mentor program at ACC, dedicated to empowering students through a distinctive blend of transferable-contextualized classes with smaller class sizes, personalized mentoring, engaging cultural and academic events, and a designated advisor who will help the students navigate their first year of college.
If you are a student interested in joining, please complete our online form below.
Why join Ascender?
Hear from ACC students, mentors, and professors about how ASCENDER has enriched their lives!
How Ascender Works
As a member of Ascender, you’ll be assigned a group (or learning community) based on your educational background. Each group takes certain classes together during their first two semesters of college in one of the following campuses:
- Hays
- Highland
- Riverside
- South Austin
- and online!
Group 1: TSI complete students
Designed for TSI complete students.
Classes for 1st semester:
- ENGL 1301 (Composition 1)
- EDUC 1300 (Strategies for College Success)
Classes for 2nd semester:
- ENGL 1302 (Composition 2)
- another core curriculum class
Group 2: Extra reading and writing support.
Designed for extra reading and writing support.
Classes for 1st semester:
- INRW 0230 (Integrated Reading and Writing)
- ENGL 1301 (Composition 1) & EDUC 1300 (Strategies for College Success)
Classes for 2nd semester:
- ENGL 1302 (Composition 2)
- another core curriculum class
Group 3: recent GED or ESOL graduates
Designed for recent GED or ESOL graduates.
Classes for 1st semester:
- Adult Ed. College Prep INRW (Integrated Reading and Writing)
- ENGL 1301 (Composition 1) & EDUC 1300 (Strategies for College Success) OR
- HUMA 1301 (Great Questions)
Classes for 2nd semester:
- ENGL 1302 (Composition 2)
- another core curriculum class
After completing the classes above, you may continue to access Ascender benefits until you earn an associate degree from ACC and successfully transfer to a four-year university.
Benefits include:
- Leadership training
- Mentorship opportunities
- College tours
- Conferences and seminars
- Cultural celebrations
Program Inclusivity
Ascender is an inclusive program open to everyone regardless of major, age, race/ethnicity, gender, etc. We are open to all types of students—including non-traditional students, parents, ESOL, veterans, etc.
How to Join
Ascender welcomes applications from all first-year college students. Students from all areas of study are welcome to apply. Follow these steps:
- Complete your ACC application and receive an acceptance letter.
- Complete Ascender’s Student Interest Form.
- Complete an interview with an Ascender advisor.
- Agree to participate in all Ascender events if admitted into the program.
Questions? Email [email protected].
Can’t join, no problem!
All ACC students are welcome to join the Student Life ACC AMIGOS student-led club! AMIGOS gives students an opportunity to meet other students, make new friends, network, attend fun events, and participate in volunteer activities. Interested, fill out the AMIGOS Club Interest Form to receive updates this Fall regarding elections, events, workshops, and volunteer opportunities!
FAQs
Can I apply even if I already received credit for ENGL 1301, ENGL 1302, or EDUC 1300?
Unfortunately, because you’ve already completed 1 or more of these classes, you wouldn’t qualify to enroll in Ascender. Although you can’t join the program as a student, you are welcome to join Amigos a student club here at ACC. You can also look at our Calendar and register to attend our public events and sessions.
Priority is given to students who were in Ascender in the Fall but if there’s space you are welcome to apply as long as you commit to attending the mandatory events.
Ascender is supported by Catch the Next, an evidence-based college readiness and completion non-profit. Learn more.
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