News

2020 Philanthropy Report Now Available, Formation of Rural Postsecondary Research Agenda Underway and More

• Now Available! 2020 Education Philanthropy Report, Empowering Possibilities
• Work Underway for Creation of a Rural Postsecondary Education Research Agenda
• Initiatives Address Transfer from Different Angles

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.

Initiatives Address Transfer from Different Angles

One third of all college students transfer schools on their journey to a degree, but far too few institutions and systems have adapted to this reality, leading them to lose credits, money and time. Ascendium and funding partners are supporting several ongoing initiatives to improve transfer outcomes for learners from low-income backgrounds.

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.

New Fund for Institutions to Explore Student-centric Partnerships, Exploring Technology in Prison Postsecondary Education and More

• New Transformational Partnership Fund Helps Institutions Explore Student-Centric Partnerships and Collaborations
• Open Campus Media Convening and ITHAKA Project Examine Technology in Prison Postsecondary Education Programs
• Strong Start to Finish Convening Encourages Courageous, Ambitious Action

One Way to Speed Up Economic Recovery? Focus on Adult Higher Education

Recommendations from Education Strategy Group’s Rapid Response Toolkit are highlighted as useful approaches to support adult learners in the economic recovery. The toolkit was co-funded by Ascendium and The Kresge Foundation. 

Newly Released Profiles from Next Generation Sector Partnerships’ Benchmarking Project

Next Generation Sector Partnerships has established close to 100 partnerships in nearly 20 states. With support from Ascendium, their new report documents the lifecycle of six partnerships across the nation and is intended for use by private and public partners interested in aligning education, workforce and economic development in their regions and communities. Next Gen’s mission is to mobilize business leaders from a single industry and shared regional economy to work with one another and with a coordinated team of public partners to strengthen their industry and their communities.

Share Your Thoughts, Results from National Postsecondary Education in Prison Programs Survey and New Follow-up Reports for Rural Matters Podcasts

• Share Your Thoughts With Us!
• The Expanding Role of Colleges in Prison Education
• New Tools to Understand and Better Serve Those with Some College, No Degree

Michigan Community Colleges Receive Grant to Improve Programs Leading to In-Demand Jobs

The Michigan Community College Association has received an Ascendium grant to improve equitable access to and through workforce programs for low-income learners statewide.