Overview
The Ascend: Career Accelerator (ACA) Program is specifically designed for low-income and/or first generation (LIFG) college freshmen who have demonstrated strong academic performance and a desire to achieve their ambitious professional goals through business or technology careers.
ACA’s personalized career readiness programming and coaching will prepare Scholars to successfully clarify their business or technology interests, enhance their professional tool kit, and build their network through connections with peers, MLT Alumni, and industry experts.
Ascend Scholars who successfully complete MLT Ascend: Career Accelerator curriculum will automatically be considered for MLT Career Prep* without the need to apply separately!
Interested in the Ascend program?
Dates to Know
Application Dates
The Ascend application will open November 2nd!
Ascend events
Information Sessions: Sign Up Today!
Key Details
MLT Ascend: Career Accelerator (ACA) is an innovative coaching program for students seeking support navigating their college-to-career journey. MLT Ascend Scholars will explore their interests, clarify their strengths, and develop a personalized plan to pursue their professional goals. ACA offers:
- One-on-one coaching
- Early exposure to top employers
- A powerful network of peers, mentors, and MLT alumni
- Scholars identify and pursue summer opportunities that match their skills and career aspirations
- Admission to MLT Career Prep (Scholars must successfully complete Ascend’s Career Accelerator curriculum, secure a recommendation from their coach, and meet the minimum eligibility criteria for MLT Career Prep.)
Interested in the Ascend program?
Before MLT Ascend, I didn't have the roadmap. I had the grades and the drive, but MLT gave me the language to talk about my goals, the network to pursue them, and the confidence to see myself in rooms I once thought weren't built for me.
Ama A.
MLT Ascend Scholar | The University of Texas at Austin Class of 2029
How it Works
MLT Ascend: Career Accelerator programming prepares high-achieving, low-income or first generation college freshmen to pursue their interests in business or technology. Scholars will identify their preferred business or technology career path (Financial Services, Consulting, Corporate Management, or Technology/Software Engineering). MLT Ascend Coaches will equip Scholars with the career readiness tools required to secure competitive freshmen and sophomore level internships as well as prepare them with the professional skills necessary for their experience in MLT Career Prep.
Eligibility Requirements
Education
- Graduating Fall 2029, Spring 2030, Summer 2030 (July and August)
- Earning a bachelor’s degree in a four-year accredited college/university
GPA
3.0 Cumulative College GPA
Interest
Strong Interest in Business or Technology careers (all majors are welcome)
Citizenship
U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident (includes DACA participants)
Family Income or college history
Low to moderate income family (based on family income and household size) OR First-generation college student (neither parent completed a Bachelor’s degree in the US)
Scholar Playbook
The Ascend Scholar Playbook is a method to help college freshmen maximize their college experience and guide them towards identifying a business or technology career path. The Ascend Scholar Playbook is comprised of three key resources:
Ascend Scholar Playbook categories
- Personalized Professional Coaching
- Programming and Curriculum
- Career Readiness
Professional Portfolio
The Ascend Professional Portfolio is completed through Ascend’s curriculum which helps Scholars craft and enhance the career readiness tools and skills required to successfully pursue internships, leadership roles, and any other developmental opportunity. 1:1 guidance from MLT Ascend Coaches combined with support from peers through small group activities creates an environment in which scholars build their confidence and prepare professional materials that highlight their capabilities and articulate their career goals.
Ascend Portfolio Materials
- Personalized Career Assessment
- Accelerated Industry and Company Research
- Individualized Personal Brand
- Enhanced Resume
- Activated LinkedIn
- Advanced Interview Prep
- Unique Networking Opportunities
98%
of Scholars were satisfied with the support they received from their Ascend Coach.
95%
of Scholars were satisfied with MLT Ascend curriculum and virtual programming.
90%
of Scholars agreed that participation in MLT Ascend positively impacted their college experience.
As a first-year college student, Ascend has given me a clearer understanding of how to prepare for long-term career success even after college. Through coaching and virtual events, I have gained more confidence in how I present my experiences, build professional relationships, and pursue opportunities that were not possible before.
Kevin G.
MLT Ascend Scholar | Davidson College Class of 2029
