Working with the 1% (Part 3): Doing Something Different Is Hard — But That’s Why It Matters
None of the common problems many educators talk about—like widespread AI cheating or student disengagement—match what we see at Ascend. Our students are different. We don’t have the kind of pathologies or issues that are often highlighted in articles or conversations about education today.
Sure, we’ve had one or two cases of AI misuse last year, and that may grow over time because, well, it’s just the nature of technology evolving. But the scale is completely different from the sweeping problem many teachers claim. Some educators say they don’t even assign writing because their students just use AI to cheat. That’s not the reality here.
At Ascend, we’re not training students to chase fame, fortune, or power as their definition of success. In fact, that path, from my experience, often leads to despair. Instead, we train young adults to thrive—to build a life of purpose, resilience, and lasting fulfillment.
What does thriving mean? It means being prepared to face life’s challenges with confidence, to build meaningful relationships, and to contribute to your community in extraordinary ways through ordinary actions. Thriving means embracing growth, faith, and service, rather than chasing hollow definitions of achievement.
Ascend: Thriving, Not Just Surviving
The Ascend program is designed to train students to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Our program offers more than just education—it opens up a community and network that lasts a lifetime.
Students gain access to a vibrant community that supports them not only academically but spiritually, socially, and professionally. They grow in their faith, deepen their leadership skills, and learn practical tools that equip them to contribute meaningfully in their families, churches, workplaces, and communities.
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Practically speaking, Ascend prepares students for real opportunities: earning money through meaningful work, gaining access to jobs right after graduation, and having a network of businesses and alumni who know the quality of Ascend graduates.
It’s not just theory or lofty ideals. It’s a practical, hands-on experience that transforms lives.
The Value of Taking a Risk
I want to be honest with you. This is a big ask. We’re asking you to consider something different—a program that requires dedication, grit, and a willingness to walk a path that is sometimes difficult and not always understood by others.
This path will require sacrifice. You’ll need to explain why you’re doing something different, sometimes over and over. It’s not the easiest choice, and it’s not the easiest program.
But here’s the truth: It’s worth it.
The students who thrive here—the 1% we keep talking about—are exactly those who are willing to think differently, act differently, and get different results. They are the ones who lean in and take the risk to become extraordinary through ordinary lives lived well.
Our Commitment to You
We don’t just leave students to navigate this journey on their own. Our entire team is passionate about walking alongside you and your student. We are all in—committed to providing support, training, encouragement, and resources to help you succeed.
We will hold your hand through the challenges and celebrate every success. We take this seriously because we want every student to thrive—not just survive.
How to Take the Next Step
If what I’ve shared resonates with you, I encourage you to take the next step and schedule a time to talk with our team. These conversations are not sales pitches—they’re admissions conversations, designed to understand who your student is and whether Ascend is the right fit.
If it is, great! We’ll help you through the enrollment process and get you started on this remarkable journey. If it’s not, that’s okay too—we’ll help you find the best place where your student can thrive.
Our admissions team is full of wonderful people eager to meet you, answer your questions, and make this process easy and supportive. You’ll find it’s not nearly as hard or intimidating as you might expect.
Join Us at Apex in August: The Beginning of Something Extraordinary
We’d love to see you and your student at Apex in August, the event where the Unbound journey begins.
Apex is more than just an orientation or graduation—it’s a vibrant gathering that sets the tone for the year, connects students with peers and leaders, and inspires everyone to dream big and work hard.
This is the starting line for a journey that will stretch your student’s mind, heart, and skills. It’s the beginning of belonging to a community where they will be supported, challenged, and empowered to become the person God created them to be.
Why This Matters
You may have seen articles or heard stories about young people struggling with motivation, integrity, or engagement in education today. Those stories don’t represent the students we have at Ascend.
Our students want more. They want to grow. They want to contribute. They want to thrive.
That’s why we’re here—to train them to do just that. To equip them with skills, values, and experiences that will prepare them for meaningful work and meaningful lives.
The Opportunity Is Real and Immediate
Here’s something you might not expect: Right now, we have 80 open positions with employers actively looking for Ascend graduates. These aren’t just low-level jobs; many start around $75,000 a year. They include a variety of fields—remote work, white collar, blue collar, entrepreneurial opportunities, and trades.
Employers trust our students so much that in some cases, they don’t even require interviews. They simply want Ascend graduates to show up and start working.
And we’re working on formalizing opportunities so students can earn up to $15,000 a year doing fractional work during the program—jobs that fit around their studies, often remote or part-time.
This isn’t just a promise; it’s a reality today. The network and reputation we’ve built mean your student can walk into a community that’s ready to welcome and employ them.
What’s Next for You and Your Student?
If all of this resonates with you—if it connects to what you’ve been looking for, or maybe what you’ve been quietly hoping for—please reach out. Schedule a conversation, ask questions, learn more.
Taking a risk on something different is scary. I get that. But it can also be the best decision you make for your student’s future.
We’re here to help you explore if Ascend is the right fit. If it is, amazing—we’ll get started together. If not, we’ll help you find where your student can thrive.
Final Thoughts: Becoming Part of the 1%
We call our students the 1% because they are willing to do what many won’t. They’re willing to take a risk, to be challenged, to walk a path less traveled.
If you’re willing to join this community—if you want your student to be part of something extraordinary—we would be honored to welcome you.
This is more than education. It’s a commitment to thriving, growing, and making a difference in the world.
Thank you for taking the time to listen. We hope this has given you clarity, encouragement, and maybe even excitement about what’s possible.
We look forward to connecting with you soon and hopefully welcoming you to Apex in August, the start of an amazing journey.
Jonathan Brush is the President and CEO of Unbound, a homeschool graduate, and a homeschool dad of six. He worked for nine years as a Director of Admissions for a private, liberal arts college, and then spent over ten years working in non-traditional higher education.
Jonathan loves Unbound and Unbound students and dreams every single day about new ways to connect them to each other. He gets to work with the world’s best team and the most amazing student body in the history of the world (which is just as awesome as it sounds), and field questions about Rule 4 violations (ask an Unbound student to explain). Jonathan and his family make their home in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
