MLT Ascend Program Overview

 

MLT Ascend is an innovative coaching program for low-income and first-generation students seeking support in navigating the critical college-to-career pathway. With Ascend, Scholars explore and develop their strengths, passions, and interests in order to plan for and pursue successful academic and professional careers. Ascend offers:

  • One-on-one coaching
  • Access to internships with top companies
  • Community-building events and skill development workshops
  • Exposure to the broader MLT professional network

Ascend Application Link: https://mlt.smapply.org/prog/ascend_scholar/

 

Table of Contents:


Meet an Ascend Scholar

 



Program Eligibility

Ascend will be accepting applications from students who have been nominated by an MLT community/university partner or an MLT program alumnus/alumna who meet the following program eligibility criteria:

  • Education: Must currently be admitted to or enrolled in a four year university or two year community college with intent to complete a Bachelor's degree
  • Must be a current graduating High School senior, or current college freshman or sophomore, or current college junior who will graduate in 18 months or more.
  • GPA: Minimum college GPA of 2.8 (cumulative) or compelling evidence of academic achievement*
  • Race/Ethnicity: African-American, Latinx, Native American, or multi-racial
  • Income: Low or moderate-income and/or first-generation (neither parent earned a college degree)

 

MLT Ascend: Career Accelerator

MLT Ascend’s Career Accelerator program prepares high-achieving, low-income or first generation underrepresented college freshmen to pursue their interests in business or technology to launch their post-college career. Scholars will identify their preferred business or technology career path and be equipped with the skills required to secure competitive internships as well as future admission to MLT Career Prep. This program is provided for FREE!

 

This one-year program provides:

  • One-on-one coaching
  • Early exposure to top employers
  • A powerful network of peers, coaches, and MLT alumni
  • Scholars identify and pursue summer opportunities that match their skills and aspirations
  • Preferred consideration for MLT Career Prep*

*Scholars must successfully complete Ascend’s Career Accelerator curriculum, secure a recommendation from their coach, and submit a MLT Career Prep application.

 

Eligibility Requirements

  • College Freshman
  • 3.0 GPA (lower GPAs will be considered with submission of ACT or SAT Scores)
  • Interest in Business or Technology careers (all majors are welcome)
  • U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident (includes DACA participants)
  • African American, Latine, or Native American (if you represent more than one racial/ethnic identity, one of them must be African American, Latine, or Native American)
  • 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)

 

Important Dates

  • Priority Deadline: Tuesday, April 30, 2024
    • Submit your application by the priority deadline to begin working with an Ascend Coach by June 2024
  • Secondary Deadline: Monday, June 17, 2024
    • Submit your application by the priority deadline to begin working with an Ascend Coach by July 2024
  • Final Deadline:  Monday, August 5, 2024
    • Submit your application by this deadline to begin working with an Ascend Coach by mid-August 2024

Additional Resources


Email ascend@mlt.org with any questions or concerns.

MLT Ascend is made possible through the generous lead support of the Citi Foundation.

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