Streamline Key Learner Transitions

How We See the Problem

Leveraging workforce training systems, transferring between postsecondary providers and entering or re-entering the workforce are pivotal moments in a learner’s career or academic journey. Institutions and systems can implement policies and practices that inadvertently make these transitions difficult. For example, when curricula don’t align, or information systems are incapable of sharing data effectively, students risk losing credits, momentum and money. The jump from postsecondary education into the workforce also presents challenges, especially when institutions offer programming that does not align with the skills employers need.

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Ascendium's Approach

An investment priority to...

Explore diverse pathways to technical education and workforce training

Means we support...

Identifying, validating and scaling high-quality career and technical credentials, training and certificates
Promoting collaboration between postsecondary education systems and non-degree credential providers

Which will lead to...

Learners understanding the credentialing landscape and viable pathways to careers
Learners earning career and technical credentials that enhance their readiness and access to employment, sustainable career pathways and additional postsecondary education
The traditional academy recognizing high-quality workforce training and technical credentials, resulting in accessible and equitable pathways to careers

An investment priority to...

Ease transitions between, and returning to, postsecondary providers

Means we support...

Identifying and scaling high-quality prior learning assessment policies and practices that provide equitable on-ramps to postsecondary education
Improving alignment and application of transfer/reverse transfer policy and practice, and supporting infrastructure collaboration for new transfer pathways at system, state and regional levels
Diversifying reengagement strategies

Which will lead to...

“Potential completers” with some college/no degree re-enrolling to complete a degree or high-quality credential that leads to meaningful employment
Learners accumulating and transferring credits into a program of study that leads to a timely degree or credential without excess credits

An investment priority to...

Smooth transitions between postsecondary education and the workforce

Means we support...

Promoting postsecondary alignment and collaboration with workforce and economic development
Expanding data infrastructure and information sharing between postsecondary education providers and the workforce
Scaling effective institutional policies and practices that ensure learners are prepared for workforce transition

Which will lead to...

Postsecondary and workforce systems sharing data to provide learners with relevant education that meets economic and workforce needs and learners’ goals
Institutions demonstrating commitment to career development and readiness

Grants to Streamline Key Learner Transitions

Text Steps Summer Melt Texting Initiative

Scaling

National College Attainment Network|$32,000|1/2021 - 6/2021

This grant supports National College Attainment Network in amplifying the impact and reach of Text Steps, a Wisconsin-based initiative funded by Ascendium since 2018.

Expansion of the Promise Ecosystem Initiative and Employer Symposiums

Scaling

College Promise Campaign|$250,000|1/2020 - 6/2021

This grant supports the College Promise Campaign in expanding their efforts to build awareness and generate momentum for the College Promise movement across the country, with a particular focus on tying Promise programs to career and workforce development.

Text Steps Summer Melt Texting-NCAN memberships for Wisconsin school districts

Scaling

National College Attainment Network|$30,883|9/2018 - 6/2021

This grant supports National College Access Network membership fees for the 13 school districts participating in the Text Steps project.

Scaling Education to Employment Solutions

Exploration

America Achieves Inc|$180,000|4/2020 - 4/2021

This grant supports America Achieves in developing actionable recommendations for how philanthropy and the public sector can work together to scale high potential postsecondary education to employment initiatives.