News

Investing in IT Career Training Pathways Shows Promise for Adult Learners

The growth in nondegree workforce training options present new pathways for learners from low-income backgrounds to achieve living wage careers. With so many options available, it's important to consider which models are most likely to result in upward mobility for those learners. IT training pathways that include learner supports and industry partnerships are models that have so far shown success. As a result, Ascendium has strategically invested almost $20 million in scaling these programs.

Social Media Spotlights Partner Innovations, Connects the Field

Social media is a go-to means of communication for most people and organizations. At Ascendium, we use social media to help us shine a light on the important work of our partners, identify problems and have conversations with the field. By connecting thought leaders working for change, we can better support learners from low-income backgrounds in achieving their postsecondary education and career goals.

A Personal Message from Amy Kerwin

Please take a moment to read this personal message from Vice President - Education Philanthropy Amy Kerwin.

A Farewell Message from Amy Kerwin

• A Personal Message from Amy Kerwin
• Reflections on Visiting Sing Sing, Plus Resources That Center Incarcerated Learners
• Fund for Workforce Equity Organizations Selected

Ascendium and Its Employees Increase Community Support in 2022

While 2022 saw much of the country finally turn a corner on the challenges posed by the COVID-19 health crisis, for many nonprofit organizations, there is little time to relax. These organizations require sustained funding and resources to meet the needs of community members even in the best of times. During times of hardship, those needs are exacerbated. That's why Ascendium stepped up its support this year with over $6.6 million in giving to nonprofits where its employees live and work.

Fund for Workforce Equity Organizations Selected

Workforce Matters is a national network of grantmakers working together to strengthen workforce development policy and advance equitable education and employment outcomes. They recently announced their selection of 15 organizations to receive grants from the Fund for Workforce Equity. Ascendium is pleased to support the Fund as insights gained from the selected projects will inform our grantmaking across many of our strategic priorities.

Reflections on Visiting Sing Sing, Plus Resources That Center Incarcerated Learners

In September, members of Ascendium’s Education Philanthropy team visited Sing Sing Correctional Facility, where they had the opportunity to meet directly with the facility’s students. We’ve gathered some reflections on that visit, as well as a trio of nationally distributed resources that uplift the voices of incarcerated learners and the work being done to help this population succeed.

Partnerships Help Offer Rural Learners In-Demand Career Credentials, Promising Caring Campus Results and More

• Local and Online Postsecondary Education Providers Partner to Offer In-Demand Career Credentials in Rural Areas
• Caring Campus Makes Student Success Everyone’s Business, With Promising Results

Efforts to Provide Economic Opportunity to Immigrants and Refugees in Rural Communities

A two-year initiative supported by Jobs for the Future, WES Mariam Assefa Fund and Ascendium will help connect immigrants, migrants and refugees in rural communities to workforce training opportunities that lead to good jobs. A cohort of selected organizations will design, implement and/or expand postsecondary education opportunities for this population of rural learners from low-income backgrounds.

Biotechnology Industry Gets a Boost from Community College Degrees

Although bachelor's degrees are traditionally earned at four-year institutions, 25 states have authorized community colleges to offer affordable bachelor's degrees. This expands opportunities for learners from low-income backgrounds to achieve their career goals. In California, MiraCosta College has launched the nation’s first biomanufacturing bachelor’s degree. It’s partnerships with the industry ensure graduates are prepared to meet the workforce needs of Fortune 500 companies in biotechnology.