News

Q&A with UIA’s Bridget Burns, Improving Learner Outcomes with Updated CUNY Transfer Explorer, and More

• Q&A: UIA’s Bridget Burns on Helping Struggling Students Get Back on Track (Part 1)
• Updated Tool Saves Time and Money to Improve Learner Outcomes
• Helping Learners See a Clearer Path: Awareness Continues to Build Around Guided Pathways Framework

New Functionality in CUNY Transfer Explorer

The latest updates to City University of New York (CUNY) and Ithaka S+R’s Transfer Explorer provide learners with more transparent, accessible information on how their prior learning experiences will apply toward degree completion.

American International College Aims to Stem Region’s Talent Drain

American International College (AIC) is one of 10 institutions benefiting from an Ascendium grant to the Yes We Must Coalition, a group of 42 independent, nonprofit colleges and universities committed to the success of learners from low-income backgrounds. AIC intends to work with area businesses to further understand their needs and prepare learners for careers in the region.

Why We Need to Pay Attention to Black Adult Learners

Using evidence from a three-year pilot program, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and Delaware State University, a historically Black college and university (HBCU), are developing and scaling a new program. The TMCF-DSU Joint Center for HBCU Non-Traditional Completion will help near college completers and adult learners finish their degrees.

Updated Tool Saves Time and Money to Improve Learner Outcomes

The City University of New York (CUNY) and Ithaka S+R have updated their CUNY Transfer Explorer tool. The tool, which allows learners to see how prior learning experiences will apply in the CUNY system, now provides more upfront information to learners, faculty, and staff so they can better plan educational paths. When learners, especially those from low-income backgrounds, have accurate information about how their previous learning and experience will count, they are more likely to complete their program and reach their education goals.

DSU Center to Target Adults with Unfinished Degrees

The TMCF-DSU Joint Center for HBCU Non-Traditional Completion will support adult learners who have some college credits but no degree. In addition, the Joint Center will share best practices with other Historically Black Colleges and Universities on new college completion pathways for non-traditional students.

Evolving Our Team to Better Meet the Needs of Learners, We’re Hiring, and More

• Changes in Education Philanthropy Support Evolving Needs of Learners from Low-Income Backgrounds
• New Initiatives Aim to Cut Early Student Dropouts by Increasing Connection
• Why Supporting Financial Aid Administrators Is Key to Unlocking Opportunities for Incarcerated Learners

Changes in Education Philanthropy Support Evolving Needs of Learners from Low-Income Backgrounds

Ascendium’s Education Philanthropy is adapting our organizational structure to meet the current and future needs of learners from low-income backgrounds. The promotion of two internal leaders to key positions will enhance our grantmaking strategy, tools, and partnerships. We are also hiring a deputy director of education grantmaking to oversee strategic grantmaking pipelines in one or more philanthropic focus areas.

Support for Evidence-Based Workforce Training Models, New Projects to Help English-Language Learners, and More

• Targeted Investments Support Expansion of Evidence-Based Workforce Training Models
• New Projects Examine Barriers for English-Language Learners
• Recent Resources Show the Value of Good Workforce Training Programs

Targeted Investments Support Expansion of Evidence-Based Workforce Training Models

Short-term training is a streamlined pathway through postsecondary education that can lead to good, in-demand jobs and upward mobility. Ascendium has recently made several grants to workforce training organizations that explore, gather evidence, and support the scaling of high-quality short-term training programs. Our support of evaluation efforts also helps us, and the field, better understand the long-term impacts of these programs, which have the potential to help learners from low-income backgrounds reach their education and career goals.