Ascend connects opportunity youth (aged 18 to 24, with their high school diploma/GED) to job training and career readiness resources that will lead to stable, sufficient employment in the healthcare field.
Ascend also provides educational resources to youth on issues of health, wellness, family planning, financial literacy, and relationship management.
Ascend is a four to six month program that includes an individual assessment and orientation which presents an overview of possible careers, options for job training, and professional development.
Ascend provides assistance in applying to/enrolling for job training through the local community colleges (Houston Community College, San Jacinto College, Lone Star College), and virtual workshops and events to build job readiness, networking, and life skills. The workshops and other events are in collaboration with Baylor College of Medicine Humans Resources and other like-minded organizations and individuals.
Ascend through the Foundation for Teen Health provides a stipend to assist with the cost of tuition, books, transportation and other needed items.
To become a mentor contact the foundation’s Executive Director, Anne Van Horn, avh@foundationforteenhealth.org
Ascend is career building without limits
Ways your donations help Ascend
A graduate of the Ascend Programs tells us about how it has helped her.
Transportation
One of the biggest needs for Ascend participants is transportation. Many do not own a car, many do not have a family member with a car so they rely on Metro or ride share options.
The biggest issue with Metro is time - a 15 minute car ride to Community College can easily become a 2 hour bus ride because of the hub system used by Metro.
Stipends for transportation is a very important need to get the participants to class, workshops and interviews.
Computers
Ascend at has it's own wing in the Lawn Clinic complete with computer lab. However, we would like to expand the computer lab so participants may have access to computers on the go to complete their online certification classes, resumes, job applications and workshops assignments. Chromebooks are needed.
Tuition
We are working closely with HCC, San Jacinto and Lone Star to enroll the participants into certification programs and be ready for employment in the medical field. Ascend pays for 100% of the tuition for the participants.