Ascender Learning Communities

Ascender is a first year experience program for community college students created to ensure college readiness toward completion and transfer. It combines:

Navigational support through holistic advising, counseling, and a Learning Framework course
An academic pathway that features a year-long sequence of English and additional core subjects by instructors trained in the model
A Student Engagement component that includes community mentorship, cultural events, leadership development and internships

The San Antonio College Ascender Learning Communities, is comprised of caring and engaged faculty, advisors, and mentors, who work together to create a unique atmosphere for students known as an “Academic Familia.”

In partnership with the nationally recognized Catch The Next Ascender non-profit organization, San Antonio College provides the following benefits to participating students.

Special Activities and Events
Graduating with Honors
Student Club & Mentorship
College level courses with built-in developmental support
Students take classes together over two semesters

Faculty and Staff work together to provide interdisciplinary learning
Early Registration
Scholarship, Internship and Work-study opportunities
Participate in Student Leadership Summer Institute
Linked courses

Certified Advisor from entry through completion
Connections to Peer Mentors and Tutors
Luncheons and Family Dinner
Recognition & networking with a national organization
Transfer Tours & Conferences

Ascender Welcome Video

Teaching Latinx Students With Cariño: Using Validation Theory and Culturally Inclusive Pedagogy in Catch the Next’s Ascender Program
^{by Rafael Castillo, PhD}

CTN has grown successfully as a state-wide initiative building a strong, data-driven program that allows students to grow intellectually, to read competently, and to expand their self-worth. The Ascender model enriches students to become civic participants and assume roles for the benefit of all people, regardless of color. Teaching through validation theory increases their self-worth and allows students to influence others and assert their identity skills in classroom environments. It is worth noting that CTN continues to forge ahead in a state with shifting budgets, earning accolades and supporting excellence as one of its foundational colleges, Palo Alto College, earned the Rising Star Award from the Aspen Foundation. Catch the Next’s Ascender Programs continue to gain philanthropic support from the Greater Texas Foundation, the Meadows Foundation, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Resources for Students

Financial Aid

_{Ascender Advisors}
Elissa Gutierrez egutierrez118@alamo.edu As a first-generation college student myself, I am well aware of the challenges faced and how to overcome them. My goal is to empower each student I encounter to see their potential and reach their goals. I have found my purpose in life at Proverbs 15:22 “Plans fail for lack of guidance, but with many Advisors they will succeed."	Sara Passement spassement@alamo.edu I have 15 plus years of advising experience and have worked in 2 other Alamo Colleges. My personal motto (which I stole from D. Nettles) is “Do the RIGHT thing because it is the right thing to do.” I love to make a difference in the lives of our students.	Mary Segovia msegovia@alamo.edu I came to (SAC) as a student in 2000. I became an employee in 2006. Working in multiple areas has developed my extensive knowledge of the college and the district system. My goal is to serve students as a guide to help them navigate their college path through graduation from SAC and beyond. I'm a servant leader and my purpose is to serve students to help them achieve their educational goals.
_Faculty
Jeanette Bunch As part of the Student Development team, Jeanette Bunch, has been teaching at San Antonio since 2003. She is a seasoned champion and advocate for the student and understands the challenges students face as they work towards meeting their academic goals and dreams. She makes students feel valued and unique and part of la familia.	Dehlia Wallis Dehlia Wallis is an Associate Professor of Psychology and has been teaching in higher education for 20 years. She has a B.A. in Psychology and a M.S. in School Psychology. She teaches General Psychology, Lifespan Growth and Development and Human Sexuality, she is the Faculty Advisor for Psi Beta and The Psychology Club. In the classroom, Professor Wallis encourages collaborative student learning, research and information literacy.	Laurie Lopez Coleman As Director of the Honors Academy and Professor of English, she is dedicated to enthusiastic and dynamic teaching as a means of supporting literacy and a love of reading and writing in her students. She strives to enrich her courses through learning communities and service learning opportunities for her students.
David Chavera David Chavera, is a Math professor and has been teaching at SAC since August 1989. He has a Bachelors and a Masters degree in Mathematics from UTSA. Professor Chavera loves teaching, enjoys classroom participation and answering questions. In class, he constantly reminds students to keep grinding; education is a long game. He enjoys spending time with the Familia, web surfing and loves to walk, play basketball, and exercise with the family dog.

Ascender Learning Communities

Resources for Students

Financial Aid

Ascender Advisors

Faculty

_{Ascender Advisors}

_Faculty