Ascent Scholarship Expands Access Through Five Universities and Dozens of Programs

What began as a single-university scholarship for a handful of STEM students has grown into one of the most generous private education programs available to Filipino members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Ascent Scholarship now opens doors at five of the country's most respected institutions, covering an expansive range of undergraduate and graduate degrees, from Computer Engineering at Mapua to an MBA at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM),  all under a study-now, pay-later model with zero percent interest.

Here is a complete look at every school, every eligible program, and everything a prospective scholar needs to know before applying.

What the scholarship covers

The Ascent Scholarship currently covers five participating institutions across Metro Manila. Each school has a specific list of qualifying degree programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Ateneo de Manila University (Katipunan Campus, Quezon City)

• Undergraduate (BS Degrees)

o Any Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) program offered by the Loyola Schools

o Including Physics, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Electronics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, and related fields

• Graduate Degrees

o MS in Data Science

o Juris Doctor (JD)

o Doctor of Medicine (MD)

o Joint MD/MBA

De La Salle University (Taft Avenue, Manila)

• Undergraduate (BS Degrees)

o Any BS program within the College of Science (except Animal Science)

o Including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, and related field

o BA in Legal Studies and Sustainable Development

• Graduate Degrees

o Juris Doctor (JD)

University of Sto. Tomas  (Espana Boulevard, Manila)

• Undergraduate (BS Degrees)

o Any program within the College of Science

o Including Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics, Microbiology, Medical Technology, Nutrition, Pharmacy, and related fields

• Graduate Degree

o Juris Doctor (JD)

Mapua University  (Intramuros, Manila)

• Undergraduate (BS Degrees)

o Computer Science, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Environmental and Sanitary Engineering

Asian Institute of Management (AIM) Makati City

• Undergradute (BS Degrees)

o Data Science, Business Administration, Management Information Systems

• Graduate Degrees

o Master of Business Administration (MBA)

o MS in Data Science

Who can apply

The Ascent Scholarship is exclusively for Filipino members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be a faithful Filipino member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

• Secure admission to one of the five participating universities.

• Be accepted into one of the eligible degree programs at the chosen institution.

• Receive an ecclesiastical endorsement from their bishop at the time of application, renewed annually for each subsequent year of study.

• Agree to the terms and conditions of the program, including the honor code, mission commitment, academic standing requirements, and the study-now, pay-later repayment model.

 

Scholarship conditions and commitments

The Ascent Scholarship is not a passive grant. It is a covenant between the program and the scholar, built on shared values and a long-term vision of service. Scholars are expected to:

• Honor code and appearance. Scholars must live by a dress and grooming standard comparable to Brigham Young University throughout entire course of study.

• Mission commitment. Make scholars commit to a full-time mission after their first year of study; female scholars after their second year. The scholarship resumes upon their return. 

• Academic standing. Good academic standing must be maintained each year to retain scholarship.

• Annual ecclesiastical endorsement.  A renewed endorsement from the scholar’s bishop is required every year of study.

• Program participation. Scholars must join training sessions, networking events, and other activities required by the Ascent Scholarship Program.

• Biannual check-ins. Scholars meet with the Ascent Committee at lease twice a year to provide an overview of their academic and personal progress. 

• Repayment and paying it forward. After graduation and job placement, scholars repay what they received at zero percent interest and commit to mentoring the next generation of Ascent scholars.

How to apply

The application process has three steps:

1. Get accepted.

Apply and secure admission at one of the five participating universities. Make sure you are accepted into one of the eligible programs listed for that institution; program eligibility is specific to each school.

2. Submit your application.

Complete the Ascent Scholarship application form and send it to adam.west@ascentfound.org. You may also reach the program through ascentscholarship@gmail.com or visit the official Facebook page at facebook.com/ascentscholarship for the latest updates.

3. Agree to the terms and conditions.

Review and formally accept the program terms, including the honor code, mission commitment, repayment model, and mentoring obligations.

For high school seniors applying to Ateneo de Manila University, the scholarship reimburses the cost of the Ateneo College Entrance Test (ACET) upon passing. Students applying to the other partner institutions should follow the respective admissions processes and contact the Ascent program directly to confirm current enrollment and application guidelines.

Investing in the rising generation

Ascent leaders shared that the scholarship is designed to build a rising generation of faithful and highly skilled Filipino professionals who can bless families, strengthen communities, and help others achieve their own educational goals.

The Ascent Scholarship is not simply about financing a degree. It is about building a generation of faithful, capable Filipino professionals who will lift those who come after them, one scholar at a time.

As the program continues to grow, it remains a powerful example of how faith, education, and service can work together to transform lives.