News
Media Contact
Introducing the New Expand Postsecondary Education in Prison Team
Ahead of a vital period for the postsecondary education in prison space, Ascendium has added veteran leadership to support its Expand Postsecondary Education in Prison portfolio. Molly Lasagna joins as senior program officer, and Maryann Rainey is transitioning from our Streamline Key Learner Transitions focus area. The pair will oversee a portfolio that includes Ready for Pell, our two-year initiative designed to support and strengthen postsecondary education in prison programs in advance of the restoration of Pell Grant eligibility for incarcerated adults, coming in the 2023-24 academic year.
Latest Numbers Show College Student Transfers Continuing Steep Decline
New data released by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center show that transfer enrollments continued to decline in spring 2022, two years after the start of the COVID-19 health crisis.
Ascendium Gifts $2.5 Million to The Center for Black Excellence and Culture
Ascendium has gifted $2.5 million to The Center for Black Excellence and Culture, becoming the third major donor in The Center’s capital campaign. The Center will inspire, encourage and showcase Black excellence in the Madison, Wisconsin, area and beyond.
We’re Finally Making Progress Supporting Rural Tech – We Can Do So Much More
According to a report from the Center on Rural Innovation (CORI), nearly 60% of rural Americans are interested in tech jobs and careers. CORI continues to push for investments in rural America to ensure rural learners have the opportunity for socioeconomic growth in the digital age.
Arkansas, Montana and Oklahoma Lead Initiative To Improve College Completion Rates
Complete College America has selected state higher education agencies in Arkansas, Montana and Oklahoma as inaugural members of its Policy, Equity and Practice network. With Ascendium’s support, the initiative will engage state higher education agencies from each state, which will convene a cohort of colleges and universities to help historically underserved students to complete college.
Second Chance Month Brought Needed Attention To Justice-Impacted Individuals. Now The Real Work Begins.
Lucretia Murphy of Jobs for the Future (JFF) discusses ongoing efforts to support incarcerated learners, both before and after release. This includes Ascendium’s Ready for Pell initiative, for which JFF is an intermediary partner.
Future Workforce Supported by Ascendium with $1,500 Tools of the Trade Scholarships Going to Over 500 Wisconsin Apprentices
Five hundred eleven construction and industrial trade apprentices have been awarded scholarships through Ascendium’s Tools of the Trade Scholarship program this year. In its ninth year, the scholarship program benefits apprentices with financial need in the Wisconsin Technical College System.
Ascendium Education Group Releases 2021 Education Philanthropy Report: Stronger Together
Ascendium Education Group has released its 2021 Education Philanthropy report, Stronger Together. The report tells the story of Ascendium’s philanthropy during 2021 and what can be achieved through partnership and collaboration.
Rural Isn’t Going Away: New Initiative Launches to Help Rural-Serving Community Colleges
Leaders at 10 North Carolina community colleges are participating in the Rural College Leaders Program (RCLP). RCLP is an immersive learning opportunity for rural-serving community colleges designed to close equity gaps, improve student outcomes and pave the way for greater social and economic mobility.
Public, Private Grants Add Momentum to UW System Prison Education Initiative
The University of Wisconsin System’s Prison Education Initiative aims to build degree programs in prisons throughout the state. It’s an example of work in our Expand Postsecondary Education in Prison focus area that aims to remove barriers to academic and career success by helping incarcerated adults gain equitable access to high-quality postsecondary education.
For Media Resources
Download high-resolution Ascendium logos, or request an interview with a member of our team. Our media liaison ensures all press inquiries receive a quick and clear response.
Subscribe and Stay Connected
Get Ascendium news right to your inbox, from grant announcements and project spotlights to where you can find our program staff in the field.
