Who We Are

Learners face obstacles at every stage of their postsecondary journey, from enrollment through completion and entry into the workforce. Our philanthropy aims to clear the path for those whose route to postsecondary access and success contains a disproportionate number of stumbling blocks.

We’re determined to elevate opportunities and outcomes for learners from low-income backgrounds so they can better achieve their postsecondary education and career goals.

Since 1967, We’ve Helped People Tap Into the Power of Postsecondary Education

Formed as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation to help fulfill the promise of the landmark Higher Education Act of 1965, Ascendium Education Group has helped millions of learners pursue postsecondary education. Over the years, we have grown to become not only the nation’s largest federal student loan guarantor, but also one of its most active and respected postsecondary education philanthropies. The funds Ascendium uses for grants have been accumulated over our 55+ year history of helping borrowers successfully repay their student loans on behalf of the U.S. Department of Education. Besides being a national philanthropy, Ascendium is a federal student loan guarantor and a provider of financial wellness services.

Ascendium’s annual philanthropic budget is not based on annual revenues tied to our work as a guaranty agency and provider of financial wellness services. While changes in the student loan industry impact Ascendium’s revenue as a guaranty agency from year to year, the funds we use as a national philanthropy were derived from our mission-driven work over our 55+ year history as a non-profit organization.

Our philanthropy is grounded in the belief that every individual has the potential to contribute meaningfully to their community and society. We award three types of grants that spur systemic change in four key focus areas. Learn more about the research organizations, forward-thinking education providers and collaborative efforts that our grants support because they share our commitment to equity and excellence in postsecondary education and workforce training.

See our grantmaking focus areas

Our Leadership

We make authentic connections as well as grants. Armed with years of collective funding, higher education and workforce training experience, our team’s practical guidance and collaborative problem-solving skills help partners catalyze systemic and institutional change.