ASCENT mentor program seeks more volunteers - Free training program prepares mentors to assist students toward college

The University’s ASCENT (All Students College Educated in Nevada Today) mentor program needs more volunteers for this year’s match-up. A free training seminar is offered on Tuesday, Sept. 8 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Great Room on the Fourth Floor of the Joe Crowley Student Union. The mentor/mentee match-up event will follow a few weeks later at Hug High School on Wednesday, Sept. 30 from 1:30 until 3 p.m.

Volunteer mentors are paired with a high school student from Hug High and commit one to three hours a month with their high school mentee, discussing college aspirations and offering guidance on college applications, financial goals, and scholarship and career opportunities. Many of the students will be the first in their families to attend a university.

Those interested are encouraged to complete an application and attend the mentor training seminar on Tuesday. Applications are found at https://forms.unr.edu/ascent; RSVP to Angi Brasil at 784-6307 or abrasil@unr.edu by Sept. 4.

The number of Hug graduates continuing on to postsecondary education nearly tripled last year due to the generous investment of time from mentors throughout the community and the University. These efforts have not gone unnoticed, and on Aug. 12, Harrah’s Foundation presented an $80,000 scholarship grant to Hug High School. Hug High ASCENT graduates may qualify for up to $20,000 in educational assistance over a four-year period.

Mentor training will be a great time for old and new mentors to interact and meet each other. A mentor panel as well as workshops on how to communicate with a mentee and how to get them college-ready will give everyone the opportunity to learn about different areas of the program.

ASCENT activities throughout the academic school year include an application and FAFSA workshop, a college shadowing day, a holiday party, a student panel, mentor/mentee meetings and an end-of-year celebration.

For more information about the ASCENT program, visit www.unr.edu/ascent or contact Ellen Houston, counselor coordinator at the Center for Student Cultural Diversity, at ehouston@unr.edu or 775-784-4936.