Ascender

An exciting path to earning your degree

¡Join our Familia!

Form friendships and celebrate Latinx culture with Ascender. This free program is open to all first-year Austin Community College students wanting to earn a bachelor’s degree. You’ll prepare for university transfer alongside a group of peers, receive one-on-one mentoring, attend family-friendly events, and much more!

If you are a student interested in joining, please complete our online form below.

Why join Ascender?

Hear ACC students talk about their Ascender mentors, events, and classes and how the program helped them achieve their goals. They discuss their overall experience and journey within Ascender and why you should consider joining!

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.

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
  • Latinx cultural celebrations

How to Join

Ascender welcomes applications from all first-year college students. You do not have to be Latinx to join the program. Students from all areas of study are welcome to apply. Follow these steps: 

  1. Complete your ACC application and receive an acceptance letter.
  2. Complete Ascender’s Student Interest Form.
  3. Complete an interview with an Ascender advisor.
  4. Agree to participate in all Ascender events if admitted into the program.

Questions? Email ascender@austincc.edu.

Can’t join, no problem!

All ACC students are welcome to join the 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 am not Latino/a or know Spanish?

Ascender welcomes applications from ALL first-year college students. You do not have to be Latinx to join the program. Students from all areas of study are welcome to apply!

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.

Can I join Ascender in the Spring Semester if I need to take ENGL 1302 or the other core curriculum class?

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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  • Seal of Excelencia - Intentionally serving Latinos 2022-2025 - recertified.
  • Join Ascender

  • Ascender welcomes applications from all first-year college students. You do not have to be Latinx to join the program. Students from all areas of study are welcome to submit an application by clicking the interest form button below.

  • Email: ascender@austincc.edu

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