Testimonials
“Ascend has quite literally changed my life. Beyond public speaking skills, Ascend teaches you the determination, grit, and adaptability critical to any career or field—skills I now leverage as a student at Stanford. In today’s hyper-connected world, authentic leadership is more important than ever, and Ascend shapes the kind of leaders who will inspire and guide the future.”
- Adrian Baek, a former student at one of Ascend’s summer camps and current staff member
“When I discovered debate, I dreamed of being a National Finalist, but it felt like just that, a dream. Luckily for me, Ascend is where dreams are made. After my first year, I realized how far I could take Congress. I became committed to the game, focused on my craft, and embedded in one of the most supportive communities you'll ever find. Why else did I come back for 2 more years? From engaging lectures to growth-focused mock rounds to basketball and food, Ascend helped me become a 2x National Finalist and a California State Champion. At Ascend, dreams take off--we accelerate, progress, and achieve.”
- Vincent Nguyen, a former student at one of Ascend’s summer camps and current staff member
“I went from crying due to not breaking out of state prelims or qualifying to the national tournament, to becoming a state and NSDA National Finalist just one year after I attended Ascend. This camp is the best in the country in teaching you how to craft argumentation, understanding how to debate topic areas in the future, and allowing you to find your voice. With such a diverse curriculum, and so many fun activities, I felt like I had a home at Ascend, and I always will because of the community it built for me as a debater.”
— Jack Wlazlowski of Texas, a former student at one of Ascend’s summer camps
“Before Ascend I struggled with the ability to feel confident in my abilities to debate in large out rounds. After attending Ascend I’ve been able to break at high level national circuit tournaments like The Longhorn Classic and the Barkley forum tournament as well as qualifying to the TOC after only doing congress for 2 years. Ascend provided me with so much support and confidence to help me find my voice even when I felt nervous.”