Read Reviews from Unbound Parents, Students, and Alumni
Ascend has helped me to come out of my shell and not be as afraid to try new things. This is a place where you can be yourself and almost always find someone to laugh with you. They challenge you to do things that grow you and challenge you in new ways. It's also a great way to make friends and build connections.
Alexandra
I’ve realized what leadership actually means, and I have been able to gain confidence in my ability to plan, coordinate, and execute projects. It’s an amazing program that teaches real-life skills that you won’t learn anywhere else.
Faith
[Unbound] is where you learn to have a question-based mindset, to ask questions and grow more in your understanding. [Unbound’s] Ascend program has helped me realize that in order to be extraordinary at the ordinary, I need to learn to seek discomfort to grow, learn to ask questions to further my understanding and knowledge.
Andrew
Because of [Unbound’s] Ascend program, I think my decision making has greatly improved and I have a firmer idea of my opinions and values. . .I would also add that my relationship with God has grown more than it probably ever has. If you value community, deep conversations, and challenging material and thinking, you should definitely do Ascend.
Perrin
Ascend changed the way I view my abilities. . . the way I view leadership, and the way I view time management. You seriously need to do Ascend, it'll change you for the better in many ways, and you'll never find a better community.
Colton
Ascend has introduced me to some of the most extraordinary people in the world. The friendships I made in this past year are not fleeting or superficial; but rooted in a love for Jesus and passion for living life which promises longevity. I couldn't be more grateful.
Briley
I chose Ascend because it sounded like it incorporated an in-person community. . . and had much more of a life application emphasis than other programs. Connecting with people from around the country gave me a much higher motivation and encouragement than I would have otherwise.
Jesse
Because of [Unbound’s] Ascend program, I think my decision making has greatly improved and I have a firmer idea of my opinions and values. . .I would also add that my relationship with God has grown more than it probably ever has. If you value community, deep conversations, and challenging material and thinking, you should definitely do Ascend.
Perrin
[Unbound’s] Ascend program was the perfect program for our daughter who wanted to earn college credit, seek leadership opportunities, and be immersed in a community which espoused a Christian worldview. I have enjoyed seeing my daughter build lifelong friendships while gaining self confidence and discovering new gifts.
Nicholas
The Ascend program was an awesome experience! Not only was the content from the webinars amazing, but the in-person events were so valuable! The students on my team and in the whole class are still some of my closest friends. It was an honor to graduate alongside such genuine, intelligent, and exceptional people.
Tamma
The Ascend program has been a great fit for me. Ascend is not just a typical online college program. The community involved with the program is supportive and helpful! Ascend has been beneficial for me where I am right now and for the future. You're not just a number, you're a part of a community!
Madison
Ascend has pushed me outside of my comfort zone within a supportive network of friends. My critical thinking skills have improved and the relationships in my life have flourished because I have been given tools that have grown my character.
Tim
I have watched my Ascend student grow in her leadership abilities, take on new challenges with confidence, and expand her understand of people dynamics through the content. Ascend is a very wise investment to make, and will yield results in all areas of adult life.
Tracy
I love when my girls talk about what they’re experiencing and I also enjoy overhearing the teaching! The result of being challenged in a Christ-focused direction has great value.
Dawn
As I read about Ascend, I knew it was exactly what our son needed. He has thrived! It is a fresh perspective on how to train up young people to be resilient overcomers in the world, as well as a brave outlook on education. It has been one of the most challenging things [our son] has taken on, but he loves it.
Sarah
There are plenty of programs to teach information and knowledge, but precious few that teach life application and wisdom - especially from a Christian worldview. I have seen my six children all grow through this program - each of whom emerged uniquely stronger (intellectually, emotionally, spiritually) and better prepared for life than the other young adults I see all around me.
Michael
My daughter and I took a "Raise By One" Challenge recently to determine if this program is right for her when she gets to 9th grade (she is in 7th grade now). We had such a wonderful experience. My daughter was hesitant at first to write her thoughts down but as we got further into the course she really opened up and we had some amazing discussions about the development of her character. I've even seen her take what she has learned and begin applying these principles in her daily life. I cannot say enough good things about this program from the course that we took to following Jonathan on his podcasts. I cannot wait for all of my children to join the program fully in the 9th grade! Thank you for providing such an amazing program it is SO needed for young adults these days!
Brittany Olshove
This has been one of the best and most transformative experiences in my life.
Adonijah Ayele
As I sit on a plane in Memphis, Tennessee, waiting to deplane, memories flood my mind of back in 2020 I drove here with a group of Unbound students. We made our way across Memphis during COVID and that is an experience I will never forget. I enrolled in Unbound in 2016 as a senior in high school. The community and the people were unmatched. I had heard about the program from Summit Ministries and met students while I attended Summit TN in 2013. From a scared freshman who wasn’t sure if college was for her to a 2018 undergrad graduate who wasn’t sure a major part of the community - Unbound is where I found my place. I loved it so much that three years later when I went back to grad school I rejoined the community. Unbound helped me and encouraged me to reach new heights in ways like nothing else. Thanks to Unbound I have been able to live out my dreams!
Peyton Holliday
I would be making no exaggeration when I say Unbound’s Ascend program changed my life. Walking into my first APEX, I wasn’t in a good place, and that week, every single speaker, every friend I made, every interaction seemed like God was speaking directly to my soul. By the time I got home, my family and friends had already noticed a change in me. I suddenly had purpose, direction, and a fire in my soul I didn’t realize I’d been yearning for. Since APEX 2024, nothing has stayed the same. I’ve radically changed, in the best way possible, and the Lord has been pushing me on to new adventures, ones that would never have been possible without the connections I made through Unbound. I found community, I found friendships stronger than blood, and most importantly, I found hope.
Shaylee Hussmann
I’ve really enjoyed my experience with Unbound. I love the emails they send out and their YouTube content—it’s encouraging, practical, and easy to engage with. You can tell they genuinely care about students and building a strong, faith-centered community.
Vesta
This community is amazing! I have grown so much through my studies in Unbound this year, and through my interactions with my fellow students. Could not recommend this enough!
Joseph Lengacher
Unbound is an amazing place to learn, develop essential life skills, and discover your purpose in life while forming genuine relationships within a community of like-minded peers. Students learn through lectures and live Q&A with professional speakers, group and individual projects, and fun activities. Over the last two years, Unbound has given me a solid foundation from which to spring forward into whatever I do next in life, the confidence to persevere through challenges because of hope, and valuable experiences that I will take with me the rest of my life. Unbound is a life-changing experience that I would highly recommend to every highschooler and young adult seeking to live differently in light of a greater purpose and looking for an education that not only teaches for knowledge's sake, but helps them build practical skills that will prepare them for life and whatever career they pursue.
Aravis Kirsch
Spent 4 years with this organization and gained much from their courses as well as in student leadership roles. The staff helped train me for those positions and aided me in figuring out some of my life direction.
Jesse Krabill
We loved this program for our son, good content that prepared our son for adulthood.
Heather Erickson
This is absolutely the best thing ever! I love everything about it 10/10 recommended!
Jorgia
I'm a second year Equip student, and i have nothing bad to say about this program. this is AMAZING!!!!!!
Levi Nelson
I am enrolled in their 12th grade Unbound is such a fun and growing experience! I really enjoyed meeting new people and learning powerful life skills.
Bekah
I love how Unbound focuses on questions, deliberate thinking, and meaningful projects rather than specific answers.
David Chisholm
Unbound has been an amazing experience and not only for education purposes but also for community and faith development! Love this school so much and it has helped change my life and grow me further as a ma and in faith. Keep up the Lord’s work and training Young adults in education and life lessons.
Alister Mangle
Unbound's High School programs (Equip and Explore) and Post-Secondary program (Ascend) have been invaluable for my kids. I love how deep they dig to get to the root causes of whatever might be holding them back from excelling in any area. The lessons, mentoring, discussions, projects, etc. all help with developing character, resilience, and self-efficacy. I highly recommend Unbound.
Melissa Vellacott
I am enrolled in their 12th grade Explore program this year. It is an absolutely wonderful experience. Everything from Apex--(the yearly reunion/orientation/meet-your-team-and-begin-forming-awesome-relationships event) to the books we've studied (The Noticer, by Andy Andrews, sticks out) or the life skills I've learned and the focus on loving God with every bit of me--has been either fun, uplifting, both, or valuable. I can't imagine a high school senior who wouldn't benefit from this program--even if they don't go on to higher levels of Ascend.
Canyon Curey
During my time in Unbound's Ascend program, I learned so much about leadership, project planning and execution, team collaboration, goal-setting, and communication. Unbound also provided great opportunities to practically apply the concepts I was learning. Ascend helped deepen my understanding of what it means to live with resilience, hope, and intentionality. I'd recommend it to any young adult who wants to take a next step in learning how to live purposefully.
Eliana Kuriakose
Unbound has been one of the most life-changing experiences of my life. Through the Ascend program, I have discovered so much about myself, about God, and about how to navigate life in a way that brings glory to Him. I have made so many deep, lasting friendships since joining Unbound, and I would recommend this program to anyone searching for more in our shallow, empty world.
Alyssa Kokenzie
Never have I ever thought that Unbound would be as good as it is. If you’re thinking about joining in, don’t just think, do!
YJ Hannigan
Unbound is lifechanging...if you apply it to your life, of course! So many nuggets of profound wisdom, and great encouragement for "what to do with your life, and how to do it". This course is amazing!
Laney
It was delightful to learn all the concepts that can help me look at my life from a different perspective. Would recommend.
Micaela Ross
When I read various Ascend descriptions and testimonials/reviews on the Unbound website, I knew that this was for me - and a huge blessing from God! 14 months later and 6 months into Ascend Foundations, I can say with confidence: It has not disappointed! It's been a big challenge for sure - but worth it by far and an enormous blessing!
Charity Vellacott
Unbound has been very helpful for me as a 9th grader. It has helped me take charge of my time, and is making me think about my future more deeply. I highly recommend for any high schooler!
Rachel
My son Nathan is in his second year of Unbound. He has learned so much and in so many ways. He writes papers, does group projects, etc and goes on amazing trips to listen to amazing speakers., make group projects, and sing praise music and practice his dancing skills. Unbound’s schedule leaves him time to work and pursue other life opportunities. Nathan has learned to work with others and his opportunities have helped him overcome his shyness. He is currently pursuing firemen certification.
Christy Duncan
This was an incredible Christ centered community that cared immensely for guiding the next generation to become incredible leaders, and I wouldn't have traded the privilege to grow with these people for the world!
Kaden Seidel
Unbound has been a great experience for my daughter. I wanted her to have something to help guide her after graduation and Ascend has done that. I've seen her struggle, adapt, and now thrive within this program and community. The way the program is growing and maturing and pivoting to keep meeting the needs and provide an excellent launch for young adults is absolutely amazing! I really appreciate the Godly focus and leadership equipping that has been very formative. I'm so glad we chose Unbound!
Rebekah Kuriakose
Unbound is a creative, outside-of-the-box way to go about education. Their program is meaningful, fun, and driven. Their staff is kind, communicative, thoughtful, and you get so much good life advice from the entire progress. I would recommend this program for anyone looking to learn how to be truly successful in life.
Gabriel Howard
It was a great experience and I enjoyed every second of it!
Elianna Hedges
I made so many wonderful friends and learned a lot through my first year in Unbounds program, Ascend!
Rebekah Castle
Asend has been the next step in my Christian walk. It has pointed my life in a new direction and grown my love for its community, and my heavenly Father. Big thanks to all who make it happen!
Emily Seidel
I would give more than five stars if I could! I am a first year student in Ascend (one of Unbound’s courses), and I cannot recommend Unbound highly enough. I have grown so much, even in my first few months in the program! It is not an exaggeration to say that Unbound has shifted the course of my life for the better. I have learned a lot about focus, intentionality, change, and resilience, and the intentional growth is only part of what makes Unbound so great. The other part of it is the community. I have never met such a wonderful group of people anywhere. They are so fun, and yet so deep and reliable. They are there for you through thick and thin, and also challenge you to be a better version of yourself. Unbounders are truly some of the best people you will find on the planet. For anyone thinking about whether Unbound is right for them, just ask yourself this: “Do I want to grow, and to become a better, more equipped person, while at the same time having the time of my life with the greatest people out there? The kind of wonderful fun, as C.S. Lewis said, ‘which exists between people who have, from the outset, taken each other seriously’?” If that sounds like something you want, then come join us, and be Unbound.
Noah Hardin
This is our first year and we’ve seen deep learning, growth-mindset and a focus on Biblical teachings!
Noah Hardin