Program Overview

Introduction to ASCEND

The ASCEND program is a retention initiative designed to support students who have experienced homelessness or foster care in their transition from high school to college. The program aims to provide a comprehensive support system, empowering students to succeed in their academic pursuits.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the ASCEND program, students must be currently enrolled or accepted to attend Kennesaw State University, pursuing their first bachelor's degree, and meet at least one of the following criteria:

• An individual who experienced homelessness during grades nine through twelve, verified by their High School Homeless Liaison or other relevant documentation.
• An individual who experienced the foster care system.

Program Components

The ASCEND program comprises several key components, including:

• Bridge Week: ASCEND scholars arrive on campus a week early for the Fall Semester to explore the environment, interact with current ASCEND students, and meet supportive faculty, staff, and community members.
• ASCEND Living-Learning Village (LLV): Scholars can choose to live in an on-campus community, building stronger relationships with peers who have similar life experiences.
• Academic and Professional Development Workshop Series: Scholars participate in workshops providing life skills coaching, one-on-one interactions with campus and community resources, and more.
• Cultural and Education Abroad Enrichment Activities: Scholars may participate in cultural enrichment, travel, and social opportunities, with stipends available to support Education Abroad or university-affiliated travel.
• Mentoring: Current ASCEND scholars provide peer mentoring, and students are paired with community-based professional mentors through a partnership with Fostering Great Ideas.
• Case Management and Resource Referrals: Scholars and CARE staff develop an individualized plan to empower students to work towards their self-identified goals, utilizing on-campus resources and relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions

Financial Preparation

• Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) documentation.
• Apply for KSU scholarships and external scholarships.

Cost of Attendance

• Find the undergraduate in-state and out-of-state estimated cost of attendance.
• Note that estimated costs may vary based on individual situations.

Registration for Orientation

• Visit the KSU Orientation Website to register for a session.
• A $40.00 Registration Fee applies.

Applying for KSU Housing

• Apply for on-campus housing with KSU Housing.
• A $375.00 Reservation Fee applies.

Summer Living Arrangements

• CARE Services works with Admissions and KSU Housing for summer living arrangements.

Living in the ASCEND House

• Take a virtual tour of the houses and learn about included amenities.
• Inquire about costs and the application process for the Living-Learning Village (LLV) ASCEND house.

Applying for a Campus Job

• Check the program information for Federal Work Study (FWS) and search for open on-campus jobs.

Not Accepting into KSU

• Work with an Embark Designated Point of Contact (DPOC) to learn about other schools offering similar programming and available resources.