As we begin the 2026 academic year, Catch the Next’s Ascender Program proudly welcomes a new cohort of 33 faculty and administrators into our growing familia. Each year, our community expands with educators who share a commitment to equal opportunity, culturally grounded pedagogy, and the belief that students thrive when high expectations are paired with high support.

This year’s journey began with two powerful professional development seminars. In May, faculty gathered at Dallas College for the Foundational Seminar, where they explored the pillars of Ascender: community cultural wealth, intrusive advising, validation theory, cariño, and disciplinary literacy. In August, we added a second session at Austin Community College.

A particularly meaningful milestone this year is the participation of the BRASS Program at ACC. BRASS, whose mission centers the academic success and cultural identity of African American students, brings a rich legacy of advocacy, community-building, and student-centered work. We honor their purpose and the care with which they have protected their identity. Their decision to join our professional development series reflects thoughtful dialogue, trust-building, and a shared commitment to strengthening student success.

Our collaboration is not about merging identities; it is about expanding the circle of support for students who deserve every opportunity to thrive. We look forward to working alongside BRASS in ways that uplift both programs and preserve the integrity of each.

Across both seminars, faculty reflected deeply on their teaching, their students, and their own “why.” Their words remind us that Ascender’s impact is felt not only in classrooms but in the hearts of educators who rediscover purpose, community, and joy in their work.

Voices from the Seminars

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Dallas College – Foundational Seminar (May)

• “Bringing it back to my why helps center my sections, my students, and the shared purpose of the semester.”
• “School must be responsive to students rather than the other way around. Teaching the ‘secret language’ of academic ecosystems is essential.”
• “The importance of dispelling deficit narratives stood out to me. Validation Theory is something I’m excited to use immediately.”
• “AHA! High expectations coupled with high support — that’s what students need.”

Austin Community College – Accelerated Seminar (August)

• “Seeing tenets of cariño in the curriculum made me so happy. My teaching philosophy is rooted in connection and community, and today affirmed that deeply.”
• “The jigsaw exercise reminded me of my dad’s stories — how school was a safe place for him. I want to replicate that sense of safety and belonging for my students.”
• “Place-based writing inspired me to reflect on the relationships and lessons that shape how I see the world. Students bring rich histories into the classroom.”
• “Leading from the WHY reminded me that students won’t care what you know until they feel how much you care.” (BRASS)

Looking Ahead

As we welcome the 2026 cohort, we reaffirm our commitment to culturally grounded pedagogy, intrusive advising, mentoring, and community-building — the pillars that have guided Ascender’s success. We celebrate the beginning of a new partnership with BRASS, one rooted in mutual respect, shared purpose, and the belief that collaboration strengthens our ability to serve students with excellence and cariño.

To our new cohort: Bienvenidos a la familia. Welcome to our family.Your presence enriches us. Your commitment inspires us. And together, we will continue building classrooms where students feel at home, empowered, and capable of catching, their dreams.