The Ascenders brings to life the real stories, strengths, and strategies that helped rural Black men rise, persist, and graduate from college. Its lessons are offered as practical tools to support students, educators, and families and caregivers in strengthening connection, deepening belonging, and creating meaningful pathways to success.

The book tour offers colleges/universities, K-12 districts, community-based organizations, and book stores, the opportunity to host book talks, workshops, and other experiences. This limited geographic focus reflects author capacity and allows for deeper, more intentional engagement with participating institutions.

Organizations committed to affirming student pathways, strengthening community, and elevating equity-centered approaches are invited to join The Ascender movement and partner in this initial phase of elevating how we support students and educators as they rise.

Please note: Jarvis is only doing in-person book talks within 2 hours of Elmira, NY (unless already previously committed outside that radius) for the 2026-2027 school year. Jarvis is accepting virtual book talks from any organization, regardless of location.

Collaboration Opportunities

Keynote-Style Session or Book Talk (30–60 minutes)

A meaningful and engaging session for students, faculty, and staff. I share stories from my research and upbringing that highlight identity, purpose, resilience, and the cultural capital rural students bring to higher education. The content helps students feel seen and supported and gives educators practical insight to strengthen belonging on campus.

Ascender Circles for Students or Workshop (45–75 minutes)

A discussion-based experience designed for Men of Color, first-generation students, FYE groups, TRiO and EOP programs, student leaders, living-learning communities, athletes, and more. These sessions are honest, real, and relational, grounded in belonging, purpose, and community.

Educator Workshop (60–90 minutes)

A workshop for faculty, staff, advisors, coaches, and student affairs professionals focused on:

culturally responsive student support
identity-affirming teaching and advising
lessons from rurality, place, and cultural capital
belonging as a pathway to persistence
practical strategies educators can apply immediately

Fireside Chat / Book Talk

A low-cost or free fireside chat or talk for organizations within 2 hours of Elmira, NY, paired with a book signing where guests can purchase in advance or on-site:

interactive and engaging discussion
50+ copies brought for on-site sale and signing
pre-order option so guests can buy ahead of time
host provides venue, AV, and promotion to guests

The Ascender Residency

An immersive, campus-based experience across roles and time, focused on:

identity, purpose, resilience, relationships, legacy
reflection, application, and follow-through beyond a single event
a research-informed, asset-based framework for student success

What's Included

Fireside Chat / Book Talk featuring Q&A and book signing
Lecture / Keynote featuring Q&A and book signing
2 Workshops with students and/or staff and faculty
1 Ascender Circle or small-group engagement session
Unlimited virtual coaching for up to 3 campus educators
Unlimited virtual coaching for up to 3 students
50 books (plus 10 comic adaptations)
Optional add-on session with campus leadership or president's cabinet, at no extra cost
Companion Resources — discussion guides, reflection toolkits, customizable syllabus, additional books at bulk order pricing rate

Learn more!

The Ascender Common Read

The Common Read Experience provides cohort-based initiative (first-year experience course, high school elective, student success program, etc.) and campuses a shared book and a shared framework, focused on:

identity, purpose, resilience, relationships, legacy
place-based identity and cultural capital as assets
building belonging and connection among incoming students
a shared vocabulary students carry through the semester
practical tools for persistence, grounded in The Ascenders

What's Included

50 books (plus 10 comic adaptations)
2 campus-wide experiences featuring Q&A and book signing
Companion resources (such as discussion guides and a sample first-year experience curriculum)
Virtual classroom visits

Learn more!

Collaborators

College access and success programs like H/EOP, TRiO, Upward Bound, etc.
Men of Color initiatives
Student affairs divisions
Cultural centers
First-Year Experience programs
Faculty development centers
Academic advising units
Honors and leadership programs
Departments teaching first-year or general education courses

Partnering

To maximize student impact, engagements are structured as all-inclusive bundles. The speaking fee directly funds copies of The Ascenders for your students or educators, serving as a shared anchor for the experience.

For campuses within 2 hours of Elmira, NY, all travel and lodging costs are completely built into the flat rate. Custom packages and bulk purchase discounts are available for smaller departments. Please inquire directly to tailor an experience for your budget.

Please note that the structure below does not apply to immersive, multi-day experiences such as the Residency or Common Read programs.

All-Inclusive Bundle Rate

Keynote, Book Talk, or Fireside Chat ($1,000) – Includes keynote, book talk, or fireside chat + Q&A, book signing, and 25 copies of The Ascenders. All travel costs from Elmira, NY are included.

Keynote + Learning Experience ($1,500) – Includes a keynote + Q&A, a workshop or classroom visit, book signing, and 50 copies of The Ascenders. All travel costs from Elmira, NY are included.

Campus Intensive ($2,500) – Includes a full-day campus engagement including a keynote + Q&A, workshop for educators, workshop for students, book signing, and 100 copies of The Ascenders. All travel costs from Elmira, NY are included.

Bring The Ascenders to Your Campus

Submit a request below to schedule an event.

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