ASCEND 250:

The 3-Year Paid Banking Apprenticeship

A Different Path Starts Here. 

What Ascend 250 Is

ASCEND 250 is a three-year, paid apprenticeship program at 1st Summit Bank in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, designed to prepare high school graduates for a career in banking.

Participants will combine intensive classroom-style learning with real experience working as a paid, full-time 1st Summit employee. You spend eighteen months immersing yourself in every department of the bank, then specialize in the area that fits you best. You finish the program with real banking experience, no debt, and a career for 7 years at 1st Summit.

Interested in ASCEND 250? Start by talking with a teacher. 

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You May Be a Good Fit for ASCEND 250 if You:

  • Want to build a career and a future in the Johnstown, PA area.
  • Interested in a career in banking, or other areas like Lending, Information Technology, Human Resources, and additional supporting departments.
  • Are curious, ambitious, and eager to learn.
  • Are on track to graduate from high school with at least a C average.
  • Secure two teacher recommendations.
  • Are ready for a demanding three-year commitment.

HOW CANDIDATES ARE SELECTED

1. Two Teacher Recommendations by January 31, 2027

Two teachers submit a recommendation form for you. Teachers at participating schools have the recommendation forms.

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2. Application & Transcripts

Students who receive the required two recommendations will be invited to complete an ASCEND 250 application and submit a copy of their high school transcript.

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3. Interviews in Late March/Early April

Selected applicants will be notified to participate in the interview process at 1st Summit Bank.

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4. Candidates Confirmed in Late May

Selected participants who are accepted into ASCEND 250 will be notified.

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5. Program Starts in September 2027

Participants begin the program as full-time 1st Summit Bank employees

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The Commitment and the Reward

What ASCEND 250 Asks of You

This is a serious career commitment.

  • Three-year program commitment
  • Full-time college-equivalent coursework
  • High expectations for performance
  • Half of each day is spent rotating through bank departments during the first 18 months
  • Experience all departments of banking

What ASCEND 250 Offers You

This is a direct pathway into the banking profession

  • Salary earned on your first day
  • Professional clothing allowance
  • Structured professional and career development
  • 7-year employment in the department of your choice
  • Preferred home financing and preferred vehicle financing

ASCEND 250 is challenging by design. It's a path for students ready to work for a career worth building.

ASCEND 250 HIGHLIGHTS

THREE YEARS

You gain three years of real experience instead of three years of coursework on it.

PAYCHECK

You are a salaried employee of 1st Summit on your first day. You are guaranteed employment upon completion of the program.

SIX DEPARTMENTS

You work inside six departments of the bank before you choose one.

NO DEBT

You begin your career with no debt.

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