Ascend Semester Projects

5 Ascend
Semester
Projects

Ascend Semester Projects are a fantastic opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in fields they are interested in.

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What is Project-Based
Education?

Ascend Semester is a project-based program. That means it is all about helping you translate your academic and nonacademic studies and interests into practical, actionable steps that equip you for life.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Projects in Action

STEP 1

Project Brainstorming

During the first eight weeks of Ascend Semester, you’ll begin brainstorming your Ascend Semester Project and complete three specific steps:

Attend the Ascend Semester Basecamp event for your project orientation.
Send initial ideas and rough research to your Ascend Team Leader for feedback.
Submit your final 2-3 ideas and initial research to your Ascend Team Leader for feedback.

STEP 2

Project Execution

During the second eight weeks of the semester you will bring your Ascend Semester Project to life and put your plan into action through five steps:

Submit your final project proposal to your Team Leader.
Receive final approval for your project and begin executing.
Submit three project status updates to your Team Leader in February, March, and April.

STEP 2

Project Completion

In May of your Ascend Semester you will complete your Ascend Semester Project with three final steps:

Complete a peer review and make all final edits.
Submit your final project report to your Ascend Team Leader.
Receive a final review and notes from your Team Leader.

DIVE DEEPER

Explore Real Ascend Projects

ABIGAIL E., ASCEND STUDENT

$52,000 Raised for Human Trafficking Victims

For Abigail’s Ascend project she chose to plan and host a masquerade charity ball fundraiser for an anti-human trafficking organization, Called to Freedom.

COLTON & CORA, ASCEND STUDENTS

Where Teamwork Meets the... Mud?

Colton and Cora ran a 10K Tough Mudder for their Ascend Project. A Tough Mudder is an endurance race with a variety of challenges (including lots and lots of mud, ice, and electric obstacles). Together they completed the course in 1.5 hours.

LARAMIE G., ASCEND STUDENTS

Caring for Children in Hawassa, Ethiopia

For her Ascend Project, Laramie travelled to Hawassa, Ethiopia and spent eight days serving in an orphanage alongside her two sisters, close friend, and the local orphanage nannies.

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