Streamline Key Learner Transitions

How We See the Problem

Leveraging workforce training, 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 and through postsecondary education and workforce training

Means we support...

Identifying, validating and scaling high-quality, nontraditional postsecondary education and training models, such as apprenticeships, career pathways, short term credentials and competency-based education
Promoting collaboration between postsecondary education and non-degree providers

Which will lead to...

Increasing learners’ understanding of the credentialing landscape and equitable pathways to careers
Increasing learner completion of nontraditional postsecondary education and training that enhance their readiness and access to employment, sustainable career pathways and additional education
Recognition from the traditional academe of high-quality, non-degree credentials and training, resulting in accessible and equitable pathways to additional education and careers

An investment priority to...

Ease transitions between, and returning to, postsecondary providers

Means we support...

Reforming policy and practice to improve transfer and application of credit at system, state and regional levels
Supporting effective strategies to reengage adult learners with some college, but no degree

Which will lead to...

Learners with some college but no degree re-enrolling and earning a high-quality credential
Increasing the number of learners who successfully move between education providers without losing credit, slowing momentum or delaying credential completion

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 promote successful job placement leading to socioeconomic mobility

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
Postsecondary institutions demonstrating commitment to learners’ career outcomes

Grants to Streamline Key Learner Transitions

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.

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.

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.