Faqs

What am I signing up for?
- Ascent isn’t really a program or a course. It’s not about making you perform better at anything. Unlike a tutor or coach that focuses on a specific skillset to develop, Ascent is really centered around relationships — specifically with an older bro or sister in your life — and with God. Think of it like getting your very own camp counselor… not just for a week, but all year long! No saying goodbye after an awesome week of fun and deep conversations, only to never talk again. When you apply, you’re signing up for someone in your corner who is just a step or two beyond you in life. Someone ready to meet you where you are at and excited to know you — just as you are today. Someone who loves Jesus and is excited to show you that following Him is normal, possible, and absolutely amazing. In short, you’re signing up for a friendship that can help you grow in your relationship with God and others, discover your purpose, cultivate your character, and definitely have some fun along the way. It’s not uncommon for students to develop a life-long friendship with their mentor. We hope that what you experience through Ascent will be one of the most impactful relationships you have throughout high school.

What is the time commitment?
- We ask our mentors to commit to a face-to-face connection once every two weeks. Many students love meeting with their mentor every week! It’s really up to you. We’ve noticed that one of the biggest obstacles to building a great friendship with your mentor is constantly texting back and forth, trying to find the next time both of you are free. That’s why one of the first things you will do with your mentor on Match Day is nail down your “Same Time, Same Place” — where you’ll both look through your schedules and find a consistent time and place that will always work throughout the semester. Then you both block it out and protect it just like you would a tutoring session or a private coaching lesson. “But what if I have to miss a time?” No worries! When you choose to sign up, you’re asking a working adult or a college student to voluntarily invest their time in you — something they are so excited to do! Everyone understands having to miss a time occasionally for being sick or out of town. One thing to keep in mind throughout the year — your time is valuable, and so is your mentor’s, which is why we ask every student to consider their commitment too.

Do you have a curriculum?
- No big notebooks to fill out. No long books to read. No devos to check off. We intentionally keep our approach to discipleship very simple with only one resource to refer to — the Bible. We don’t focus on reading lengthy passages of scripture as much as we focus on exploring truths throughout scripture that lead us to discover that God is who He reveals Himself to be — and we are who He says we are. Our focus isn’t on a curriculum as much as it is on developing a real friendship with a mentor and with God.

What does Ascent believe about God?
- Ascent is a Christian organization. Our mentors are from over 50 universities and have a broad church background, coming from a variety of different denominations within the Christian faith — but what they all have in common is a real love for Jesus, a passion for helping others know Him, and a unified agreement with our Statement of Faith. You can read that here.
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Do I have to be super serious about my faith to join?
- Nope. Actually, many students who sign up have no faith background at all. Some are simply curious about God and have unanswered questions. Some are searching for meaning and purpose. Some are at the end of their rope and are desperate for something that can actually satisfy. Some are looking for a fishing-buddy. Others just want anyone who won’t judge them for not being perfect. Someone in their life to simply talk to and feel seen by. The reasons for signing up are as numerous as the students that do. However, what’s universal to every student is that they are all on a journey. That is what Ascent is all about — going higher. A journey of discovering God and his thoughts, heart, and purposes for our lives. One step at a time. Everyone starts somewhere. It’s just more fun and more meaningful when we are on the path with someone encouraging us along the way — One person walking next to another as they seek to discover truth, purpose, freedom, joy, and life. Wherever you are on that journey, we are ready to meet you where you are at right now.

For Parents or Mentors

What kind of training do the mentors go through?
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