Ascendium at a Glance
Who We Are
Ascendium Education Group, a nonprofit headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, is committed to helping learners from low-income backgrounds achieve their academic and career goals. Ascendium’s education philanthropy centers on increasing opportunities for learners to achieve upward mobility through high-quality postsecondary education and workforce training. Ascendium is one of the nation’s largest and most active funders of postsecondary education and workforce training initiatives.
A Brief History
- 1967: The Wisconsin Higher Education Corporation, the precursor of today’s Ascendium Education Group, is formed.
- 1988: The Wisconsin Higher Education Corporation changes its name to Great Lakes Higher Education Corporation.
- 2004: Great Lakes Higher Education Corporation establishes a dedicated division to oversee its corporate philanthropy.
- 2018: Great Lakes is acquired by Nelnet Inc. Ascendium Education Group is formed, consisting of education philanthropy, student success and financial wellness solutions, education impact investing, and student loan guaranty services.
What We Fund
We fund efforts that support learners from low-income backgrounds in accessing, navigating between, and completing postsecondary education and workforce training. Our strategies are to Expand Opportunity, Support Learner Success, and Connect and Align Systems.
How We Fund
Our grants support solutions at every stage of development — from promising but untested approaches to proven practices ready to be brought to scale.
Who We Fund
Our grantees typically include postsecondary education and workforce training providers, intermediaries, researchers, and media organizations from across the U.S. that advance large-scale, systemic change.
Our Philanthropy by the Numbers*
| Year | Grant Dollars | Grants |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $160.4 million | 98 |
| 2023 | $85 million | 84 |
| 2022 | $70.5 million | 59 |
| 2021 | $48 million | 57 |
| 2020 | $44 million | 65 |
| 2019 | $20.6 million | 26 |
| Total | $428.5 million | 389 |
Referring to Us
Use “Ascendium Education Group” on first reference. In subsequent references within the same communication, just use “Ascendium.”
Describing Us
Use the following description of us in press releases and formal publications.
Ascendium Education Group® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization driven by the belief that learning after high school gives people the power to build better futures. Our national philanthropy focuses on increasing opportunities for learners from low-income backgrounds to achieve upward mobility through postsecondary education and workforce training. We partner with organizations whose objectives align with our core strategies to expand opportunity, support learner success, and connect and align systems. Our grantees include postsecondary education and workforce training providers, intermediaries, researchers, and media organizations from across the U.S. To learn more, visit ascendiumphilanthropy.org.
Following Us on Social Media
Like and follow our social media channels to stay up to date on the latest philanthropy news, grant awards, and more. If you’re posting about us, tag @Ascendium’s Education Philanthropy on LinkedIn and @AscendiumEP on the other channels.
Media Inquiries
Our media liaison can help you with quotes, interviews, or resources for your story.
Brett Lindquist
Vice President -
Communications and Community Engagement
Other Inquiries
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