The College Consortium is an interactive college-readiness program that brings together successful current college students and recent graduates from a diverse range of colleges and universities to provide students with authentic, firsthand insight into the college experience. Rather than relying solely on traditional presentations or admissions materials, participants have the opportunity to engage directly with individuals who have recently navigated the same process they are preparing to enter.

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Through an open and engaging question-and-answer forum, panelists share their experiences and provide practical guidance on the college journey from the pre-application process through graduation. Topics may include researching and selecting colleges, understanding admissions requirements, preparing applications, writing personal statements, navigating financial aid and scholarships, choosing a major, adjusting to campus life, building relationships with professors and peers, managing academic responsibilities, getting involved on campus, accessing campus resources, and successfully navigating the transition from high school to higher education.

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A key component of the College Consortium is the opportunity for students to hear multiple perspectives on the college experience, including experiences at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs). By exposing students to different campus environments, institutional cultures, academic experiences, and pathways to success, the program encourages participants to explore colleges based on their individual goals, interests, values, and aspirations.

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The College Consortium is designed to be mobile and accessible, allowing Ascend to bring the experience directly to schools, community organizations, youth programs, and other venues. This flexibility allows students to participate in meaningful college conversations within their own communities and creates opportunities for schools and organizations to tailor the discussion to the needs of their students.

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Students are encouraged to ask the questions they may not think to ask during a traditional college presentation, including what it is really like to live away from home, how to manage independence, how to find support when challenges arise, and what they wish they had known before beginning college.

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Ultimately, the College Consortium helps students move beyond simply asking “Where do I want to go?” and begin thinking about “What do I need to know, do, and prepare for to be successful once I get there?”

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Real experiences. Honest conversations. Informed decisions. College success.