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.
Contact Us
Have questions about this program or want to explore collaboration opportunities? Contact us at hsru@utep.edu.
