ASCENDR Opportunity Advising
Supporting student success in STEM fellowships through expert advising and application support.
The ASCENDR Opportunity Advising program is a cohort-based initiative designed to prepare students at HSRU institutions to apply for nationally competitive STEM fellowships aligned with U.S. defense and national security priorities. Through a structured, year-long advising experience, students gain the tools, mentorship, and peer support needed to navigate complex application processes and pursue advanced STEM opportunities.
ASCENDR Opportunity Advising is designed to:
- Expand awareness of nationally competitive fellowships such as NSF’s GRFP, NDSEG, GEM and SCGSR.
- Provide structured, cohort-based advising and professional development tailored to fellowship packet preparation.
- Strengthen application materials through expert-led workshops and peer feedback.
Program Features
Cohort-Based Advising
Students participate in structured advising cohorts at their home institutions, guided by experienced advisors and faculty mentors. Key activities may include:
- Fellowship exploration sessions
- Application development workshops
- Peer feedback sessions
- Access to shared resources through a centralized learning platform
Fellowship Awareness Campaign
In addition to the cohort experience, ASCENDR Opportunity Advising includes a broad awareness campaign to ensure students across the HSRU Alliance have access to:
- Timely updates on fellowship deadlines and eligibility
- Application tips and success strategies
- Insights from past fellowship recipients
These resources are distributed through digital channels and institutional networks to reach a wide audience of potential applicants.
How to Participate
Details about eligibility, application timelines, and participation will be announced soon. Please check back for updates.
