After participating in Ascend as a first-year participant, students will be able to:
- Identify one mentoring relationship at Boston College
- Indicate willingness to be more vulnerable in interpersonal relationships
- Articulate a sense of belonging to a community at Boston College
After participating in Ascend as a junior or senior leader, students will be able to:
- Identify one mentoring relationship with a first-year student at Boston College
- Demonstrate growth in small group facilitation and leadership skills
- Report an increase in sense of self-confidence
The Center for Student Formation is committed to inclusive programs that welcome all students.


The Ascend Experience
- The Ascend program consists of weekly small group meetings, small group activities, optional program-wide events, and one program-wide off-campus overnight.
- Weekly meetings are facilitated by two junior or senior co-leaders, last 60-90 minutes, and take place at a time jointly decided by the group.
- The program officially kicks off with the all-program overnight in January and runs through the end of the spring semester.
- The application process takes place in the fall and includes an online application and an interview with our Ascend Leads.
“Ascend is one of my favorite parts of the week—my group is able to have fun while also talking about or getting advice on issues we are dealing with.”
Become an Ascend Lead!
Help first-year women build a great BC experience through community, conversation, and mentorship.
The Ascend Lead application opens at the beginning of the fall semester.
Ascend Leads meet weekly with small groups of first-year women, build community, plan small group activities, and talk about the shared experience of being women at BC.
All junior and senior women are invited to be Ascend Leads.
Ascend Leads commit to:
- Leads retreat Friday-Sunday, held during a weekend in October
- All-program overnight Saturday-Sunday, held in January of the spring semester