ASCEND Program

Advancing Student Commitment, Engagement, Networking & Development (ASCEND)

ASCEND is a leadership program designed for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of color), first-generation or the general Merrimack community, who are seeking leadership development. You’ll engage in interactive workshops, courses and educational trips to build a sense of belonging on campus.   

Our Purpose

We believe that to assist our students in becoming leaders, we must focus on all aspects of themselves and help them explore their identities to fully understand who they are.

Mission & Values

As an ASCEND member, you’ll focus on our three AIR core values of authenticity, integrity and resiliency. 

Authenticity

You’ll focus on your sense of self – your self-awareness, pride in yourself, compassion and forgiveness.

Integrity

You’ll develop your trust and honesty and work on your self-accountability.

Resiliency

You’ll examine your consistency in the work you do and develop your mental toughness and adaptability skills.

ASCEND Tracks & Timeline

FIRST-YEAR MOVE-IN WEEK
ASCEND Early Arrival Program
You'll move in early before orientation where you'll have the opportunity to acclimate to campus. You'll meet upperclassmen and faculty/staff and participate in community bonding.
FIRST-YEAR MOVE-IN WEEK
FIRST YEAR
Year One:
The Integration Track
You'll enroll in a spring leadership class and participate in program obligations of commitment, engagement and developmental group meetings.
FIRST YEAR
SECOND YEAR
Year Two:
The Development Track
You'll continue your leadership development through a Peer mentorship program that will continue to work around the three core values of AIR.
SECOND YEAR
THIRD YEAR
Year Three:
The Sojourner Track
You'll travel domestically as part of an exclusive SEND trip with Campus Ministry.
THIRD YEAR
FOURTH YEAR
Year Four:
The Progression Track
You'll participate in professional development with the O'Brien Center for Career Development and continue your leadership development.
FOURTH YEAR

Skill Building Opportunities

You'll Earn Certificates & Badges

Earn your Community Engaged Scholar CertificateSafe Zone Certificate and Inclusive Leadership Badge. You’ll develop fundamental skills around communication, collaboration and professionalism within diversity, equity and inclusion. All skills learned will assist you in building a more inclusive work environment for potential employers.