WHAT WE DO
Since its founding in 2014, Ascend’s mission has been to develop confidence in girls through mountaineering-based leadership training and community engagement.
Ascend runs a holistic leadership development program based on sport and civic engagement. Participants gain knowledge and skills that will serve them throughout their lives. We focus on serving in places where women and girls have limited or no access to such opportunities. Each year, we train new instructors, building a pipeline of professional development in a women-helping-women approach.
Ascend participants train multiple days a week. We develop strong bodies and strong minds through experiential learning in physical fitness, community volunteering, mental health awareness, rock climbing, trekking and camping, and team-building activities. Professional development and internships create opportunities for growth, and alumnae stay connected with the program through the Ascend Alumnae Association, creating an Ascend network of accomplished and supportive women around the world.
OUR PILLARS
1
MOUNTAINEERING, ROCK CLIMBING, & PHYSICAL FITNESS
Participants are guided to get outdoors safely through expeditions that correlate to personal courage and self-confidence. Ascend encouraging participants to develop healthy habits and challenge their physical limits through structured fitness.
2
COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT
Girls and young women actively participate in community projects, fostering engaged citizenship and civil society. The involvement of families and local leaders builds support for women’s rights and creates a collaborative movement for equality.
3
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP & SUSTAINABILITY
Participants explore these topics by taking part in activities that directly impact their daily lives, like testing water quality, purifying water when needed, as well as educating and engaging others. These initiatives support resource protection, environmental resilience, and individual growth.
4
MENTAL HEALTH
Ascend nurtures the psychological and social well-being of participants, helping them gain self-confidence and manage conflicts through critical thinking and communication.
5
LEADERSHIP & ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Practical training and group activities empower girls to develop leadership qualities such as resilience, problem-solving skills, and confidence so that they can actively engage in shaping their communities. We provide our instructors with the tools to guide and inspire.