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Our Focus Areas

We know learners from low-income backgrounds have the same abilities as high-income learners. Ascendium is working to change postsecondary and workforce training systems so that low-income learners have the same opportunities for academic and career success. To that end, we award exploration, validation and scaling grants in four focus areas that foster upward social mobility.

THE CHANGE WE SEEK

We hope our work contributes to a future where more learners from low-income backgrounds reach their education and career goals, equity gaps are eliminated and all postsecondary learning is valued and validated.

To assess the progress of our strategy on the changes we seek, we monitor data points related to first-year persistence, degree and credential completion, time to completion and job placement.

Postsecondary education and workforce training are the surest paths to a satisfying, family-supporting career. Unfortunately, the very groups that could benefit the most from these opportunities have historically been underrepresented, and learners who do have access are less likely than their peers to complete their program and gain a valuable credential.

Some challenges cannot be overcome by personal grit alone. That’s why our philanthropy addresses the persistent barriers that stand in the way of success for learners from low-income backgrounds. All of our grantmaking is driven by the same essential goal: Helping more students from low-income backgrounds—especially first generation students, rural community members, veterans, students of color and incarcerated adults—reap the benefits of postsecondary access and increased social mobility.

News and Updates

April 15, 2021 News Release

Ascendium Education Group Releases 2020 Education Philanthropy Report: Empowering Possibilities

Ascendium Education Group has released its 2020 Education Philanthropy report, Empowering Possibilities. The report tells the story of Ascendium’s philanthropy during an unprecedented time and the tremendous efforts of our grant partners who were able to advance their work despite numerous challenges.

Now available! Ascendium’s 2020 Education Philanthropy Report: Empowering Possibilities

Ascendium is pleased to announce the availability of our 2020 Education Philanthropy Report, Empowering Possibilities. Our report tells the story of our philanthropy during an unprecedented time and the tremendous efforts of our grant partners, who were able to advance their work despite numerous challenges.

On the Path to Success: $375,000 in Tools of the Trade Scholarships Awarded by Ascendium Education Group

Ascendium Education Group is pleased to support 250 construction and industrial trade apprentices from 15 Wisconsin Technical Colleges this year as part of the Tools of the Trade Scholarship program. Each apprentice received $1,500 to assist with the cost of equipment, tools and clothing to keep them on the path to success.

Our Focus Areas

Remove Structural Barriers to Success

Remove Structural Barriers to Success

Streamline Key Learner Transitions