About ASCEND
The Program in General
From the main ASCEND website, one can find this definition (there have been several other interpretations) of the program:
ASCEND, A ssuring S TEM C redential E xpansion through N urturing D iversity, is a multi-year program designed to enhance the experience of UIC students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Funded by the National Science Foundation, the primary component of this program is to support students selected as ASCEND Scholars. Scholar opportunities are offered to support 50 students during their first yearat UIC. Admission is offered through several UIC academic support programs or by contacting an ASCEND co-director.
There are several components to this program:
- Summer pre-college experience, with math enrichment and an introduction to scientific research
- An academic year seminar designed to enhance student participation in UIC's academic and support programs
- A focused advising program that includes clustered course registration and strategic selection of major courses with other ASCEND scholars
Further information about the program in general is available here.
Mathematically Speaking...
With regard to the mathematics component of the program, we consider the following:
- Mathematics instruction, review, and practice by solving mathematical problems
- Math assessments at both the beginning and end of the summer program in order to accurately advise a student on which course to take
- Working in groups in applying mathematical knowledge to solve real-world problems
- Development of presentation skills and communication
- Introduction to other stimulating and exciting areas of mathematics through mini-lectures, intended to give a glimpse of what mathematicians actually do