---
title: Ascend Scholars Program | Alpha Eagle Aviation and Science Foundation
description: The Alpha Eagle Ascend Scholars Program is a four-year mentorship and development pathway for Embry-Riddle students, combining assessment, mentoring, applied experience and measured growth. Meet inaugural scholar Elody Hsu.
---
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- ** ALPHA EAGLE AVIATION AND SCIENCE FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP
- ** ...Empowering the Underrepresented in STEM
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# Alpha Eagle Ascend Scholars Program
The Ascend Scholars Program is a **high school-to-college mentorship and development program that supports each participant across all four years of their college journey.** The program is broader than a scholarship alone. It is designed as a structured developmental experience that follows the participant over time.
## Elody Hsu is the inaugural recipient of the Alpha Eagle Ascend Scholars Program.
It is an incredible honor, and I am truly grateful to the Alpha Eagle Aviation and Science Foundation for selecting me as a recipient. This support will not only carry me through my time at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, but also allow me to fully dedicate myself to my studies and training.
I grew up in Tampa, Florida, and graduated from Carrollwood Day School, where I spent 15 years developing the confidence, work ethic, and character that shaped my future. CDS prepared me academically for the ERAU Class of 2030 and helped me discover passions that strengthened my creativity and resilience. I was deeply involved in the school's theater program and competed on the Track and Field team as a javelin thrower.
I chose Embry-Riddle for its unmatched aviation programs, strong sense of community, and the remarkable career pathways it offers students.
My interest in aviation began early, inspired largely by my family, especially my uncle, an air traffic controller and Embry-Riddle graduate. Hearing about his experiences and the responsibility of his role sparked my curiosity, which grew into a committed career goal throughout high school. I plan to major in Air Traffic Management so I can contribute to the profession with skill, dedication, and a deep respect for the safety and efficiency of our airspace.
My long-term goal is to work in an official facility where I can help strengthen the system that keeps millions of people moving safely every day.
The Alpha Eagle Aviation and Science Foundation's generosity has strengthened my confidence in pursuing my goals, and I look forward to representing the Foundation's values throughout my journey and beyond.
## Alpha Eagle Ascend Scholars Program Framework
A personalized mentorship and development pathway for each scholar
1. Assess Freshman Year
2. Develop Freshman to Junior Year
3. Apply Junior to Senior Year
4. Ascend Senior Year to Graduation
1. Baseline
2. Growth
3. Experience
4. Readiness
1. 1
### Step 1: Learning Preference Snapshot (VARK)
Understand how the scholar prefers to receive, process, and engage with information.
2. 2
### Step 2: Entrepreneurial Mindset Profile (EMP)
Identify baseline strengths in initiative, creativity, resilience, adaptability, and opportunity recognition.
3. 3
### Step 3: Mentor Debrief & Reflection
Review both assessments in a focused developmental conversation.
4. 4
### Step 4: Personalized Growth Priorities
Define 2 strengths, 2 growth priorities, and a scholar-specific development plan.
5. 5
### Step 5: First Experiential Challenge
Apply learning through a project, leadership opportunity, founder interview, site visit, or entrepreneurial challenge.
1. #### Freshman Baseline
- VARK learning preference assessment
- Entrepreneurial Mindset Profile
- Initial mentor debrief
- Baseline strengths and growth opportunities
2. #### Freshman to Junior Year
- Personalized development priorities
- Mentoring and reflection
- Leadership and competency development
- Annual or periodic check-ins
- Updated growth goals
3. #### Junior to Senior Year
- Internships
- Leadership experiences
- Projects and research
- Founder or industry engagement
- Real-world application of entrepreneurial competencies
4. #### Senior Year to Graduation
- Re-administer EMP
- Compare growth from baseline
- Career and graduate-school readiness
- Reflect on development
- Define post-graduation direction
## Ongoing Mentorship & Check-Ins
Semi-annual reflection, accountability, and support across the scholar's college journey
## Four-Year Scholar Journey
1. 1
### Year 1: Freshman Foundation
Self-awareness and transition
2. 2
### Year 2: Sophomore Growth
Skill-building and confidence
3. 3
### Year 3: Junior Application
Leadership and experience
4. 4
### Year 4: Senior Readiness
Career clarity and next steps
## Program Outcomes
- Self-Awareness & Growth
- Entrepreneurial Mindset
- Leadership & Decision-Making
- Career Readiness
- Measured Development
## 2026 application:
The Application window for 2026 is now closed. Applications will re-open in the fall of 2027.
## Got Questions? Contact Us!
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