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EDUCATION PHILANTHROPY DIVISION OF ASCENDIUM EDUCATION GROUP

Streamline Key Learner Transitions

Our philanthropy supports institutions and systems as they work to facilitate seamless transitions between educational and career opportunities after high school.

A young woman training in a server room.

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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Our Three Investment Priorities

Grants to Streamline Key Learner Transitions

Constructing a Predictive Analytic Model to Adult Learner Pathways

Exploration
The Graduate! Network Inc|$260,000|6/2020 - 9/2021
This grant supports The Graduate! Network in developing a platform-agnostic quantitative and qualitative analysis of their data to construct a predictive analytic model to further understand patterns in adult learner pathways to degree completion. The analyses produced from this project will ultimately culminate in a report that will inform institutional policies and practices to further support adult learner re-engagement strategies and increase degree completion.

Tackling Transfer Phase II

Scaling
The Aspen Institute Inc|$1,200,000|7/2018 - 8/2021
This grant supports the Aspen Institute in helping three states—Minnesota, Texas and Virginia—adopt transfer reforms to promote bachelor’s degree attainment among students who begin at community colleges. This project will also produce learnings about the conditions and strategies for replicating or adapting comprehensive transfer reforms in other states.

Text Steps Summer Melt Texting Initiative

Scaling
National College Attainment Network|$32,000|1/2021 - 8/2021
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.

HBCU Degree Completion Pilot

Exploration
Delaware State University Foundation Inc|$216,200|9/2020 - 8/2021
This grant supports the Delaware State University Foundation in piloting an online college degree completion program for near-completer students in partnership with Southern New Hampshire University and Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

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.

Text Steps Summer Melt Texting

Scaling
School District of Monroe|$37,975|9/2018 - 12/2020
This grant supports 13 Wisconsin public school districts in launching summer melt text nudging to help increase on-time college enrollment rates.

Text Steps Summer Melt Texting

Scaling
Green Bay Area Public Schools|$47,900|9/2018 - 12/2020
This grant supports 13 Wisconsin public school districts in launching summer melt text nudging to help increase on-time college enrollment rates.

Text Steps Summer Melt Texting

Scaling
School District of Fort Atkinson|$22,040|9/2018 - 12/2020
This grant supports 13 Wisconsin public school districts in launching summer melt text nudging to help increase on-time college enrollment rates.
View All Ascendium Grants

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