USAA Ascent Scholars Program

FALL 2026 & SPRING 2027

The USAA Ascent Scholars Experience is a scholarship program aimed at preparing outstanding students to strengthen their career readiness for the workforce. The experience provides a scholarship and requires students to engage in professional development, career readiness and research events.

To be eligible to apply, students must:

• Undergraduate student in a College of AI, Cyber and Computing major
• 3.0 overall GPA
• Registered in 12 semester credit hours

USAA Ascent Scholars Application
Short Answer Questions and My Why Video
Your application has two parts: five short answer questions and a two minute My Why video. You submit both through the UTSA Scholarship Hub.

Short Answer Questions
Answer all five questions. Each answer has a 150 word maximum.
1.    Why are you applying to the USAA Ascent Scholars Program, and how does this opportunity support your career goals in AI, cyber, or computing? Highlight a specific technology, project, or trend you are eager to master.
2.    Describe one career readiness skill or experience you plan to develop during your Ascent Scholar experience, and explain why it matters for your future.
3.    Which high impact experience do you plan to complete, for example an internship, research, professional development, or leadership? Describe it and your readiness to pursue it.
4.    Describe an experience where you successfully managed a long term commitment alongside your academic or personal responsibilities.
5.    As an Ascent Scholar, you will represent the College of AI, Cyber and Computing. What does being a strong representative mean to you, and how would you model professionalism?

My Why Video
Record a two minute video, 90 to 120 seconds, on camera and unscripted. Keep it conversational. In your video, share:
•     Your professional vision
•     Your unique story
•     Why you are a strong fit for the cohort
Upload your video directly through the UTSA Scholarship Hub.
Before You Submit
•     All five short answers are complete and within the 150 word limit.
•     Your My Why video is recorded and uploaded.
•     Everything is submitted through the UTSA Scholarship Hub.

How Are Students Selected?
The program looks for students who are excited to grow, ready to learn new tech skills, and dedicated to finishing their degree at UTSA. While anyone who meets the basic rules can apply, the selection committee gives extra consideration to:

• Students from the TRCommunity.

• Transfer students settling into life at UTSA.

• Students who have already finished their basic college-level Math and Writing requirements.

USAA Ascent Scholars Experience
Two Year Progression Model- You only need apply once . Each semester you progress when you meet all the semester requirements.
Students are placed at the level matching their completed credit hours and progress as their hours increase and program expectations are met.

Year 1: Scholar Experience Semester Plan

Level 1: Foundation
9 to 40 credit hours, $1,500 per year
•     3 Workshops- Career Center and 3 CAICC Events
•     2 Friday Monthly In Person Career and Leadership Coaching Sessions
•     2 Peer Mentoring Coaching Meetings

Level 2: Apply
41 to 75 credit hours, $2,500 per year
•     All Level 1 requirements
•     Identify a faculty advisor
•     Develop a project concept
•     Frame a research question
•     Present a proposal at Spring Undergraduate and CAICC Research Showcase

Level 3: Launch
76 or more credit hours, $3,000 per year
•     All Level 1 requirements
•     Identify a faculty advisor
•     Develop a project concept
•     Frame a research question
•     Present a proposal at Spring Undergraduate and CAICC Research Showcase

Monthly Expectations for All Scholars
Twice Monthly Friday -In Person Meetings /Workshop Presentations with SSC Coordinators at San Pedro 2 (9 am -11 am )

• Meet with a USAA Student Success Center Peer Mentor Coach at 2 times a semester as assigned
• Represent the College of AI, Cyber and Computing at events as assigned