News

Exploring Innovative Financing Models to Strengthen Talent Pipelines

Opportunities exist for integral stakeholders to form partnerships and explore effective and sustainable financing models for workforce training programs. A grant to Social Finance will encourage this coordination, which we envision leading to more robust, equitable training options for learners from low-income backgrounds to achieve upward mobility.

Ascendium Releases 2023 Education Philanthropy Report, From Learning to Action

Ascendium released its 2023 Education Philanthropy Report, From Learning to Action. The report highlights our “learning while doing” approach to grantmaking.

Sectoral Training Insights, Promotions for Key Ascendium Team Members, and More

• What We Have Learned — and Still Need to Learn — About Sectoral Training Programs
• Ascendium’s Education Philanthropy Announces Strategic Promotions to Elevate Impact

Seeking to Boost Student Success in Appalachia

Community Colleges of Appalachia members recently participated in the Rural Educators Academy, which brings together college leaders, educators, and staff to better understand the learners they serve. Because the academy takes a multi-state, regional approach to helping rural students and providers, lessons learned can be applied throughout rural America, not just Appalachia.

Ascendium's Education Philanthropy Announces Strategic Promotions to Elevate Impact

Ascendium is pleased to announce the promotions of three internal team members. In their new roles, Deputy Director of Learning and Impact Jessa Valentine, Senior Program Officer of Strategic Engagement Amy Kuether, and Program Officer Ashley Parker will propel new and ongoing initiatives. These organizational changes signal Ascendium’s commitment to the evolving needs of learners from low-income backgrounds.

A Digital Skilling Initiative for Economic Growth

It can be difficult for employers to find qualified workers in rural areas, especially those with strong digital skills. With funding from Ascendium, the Center on Rural Innovation is working with the Ada Jobs Foundation to develop a free digital skilling program for the community.

Building Data-Driven Pathways to Good Jobs Through Community Partnerships

How can postsecondary education and workforce training institutions help ensure that talent pipelines for good jobs are effective, equitable, and data-driven? Two new grants that focus on community partnerships to support developing pathways informed by labor market data may help answer this question.

Postsecondary Education and Workforce Training Trends, Ascendium Welcomes Three Members, and More

• Postsecondary Education and Workforce Training Trends We’re Watching in 2024
• Ascendium Welcomes Three Members to Education Philanthropy Team
• Grants to Community-Based Organizations Aim to Strengthen Workforce-Aligned Training Pathways for Rural Learners

Grants to Community-Based Organizations Aim to Strengthen Workforce-Aligned Training Pathways for Rural Learners

Over the past two years, the federal government has invested billions of dollars to create good-paying jobs as part of President Joe Biden’s “Build Back Better” framework. Additional legislation, like the Inflation Reduction Act and the CHIPS and Science Act, aim to create millions of new jobs through investments in clean energy and advanced manufacturing. Collectively, this legislation generates opportunities for rural learners seeking good jobs. It also accelerates the need for rural training pathways that prepare these learners.

Ascendium Welcomes Three Members to Education Philanthropy Team

Ascendium’s Education Philanthropy is pleased to announce the arrival of three accomplished professionals to our team. Join us in welcoming Dr. Brittany Corde, Vinya Cherian Hershberger, and Rachel Rogahn. Each contributes unique skills and experiences to strengthen our commitment to driving impactful, systemic change that improves the lives of learners from low-income backgrounds.