A Closer Look at Ascendium’s Philanthropy

You may already know us for our dedicated support in the realm of student loans, but our impact goes beyond helpful tools and services. Attigo solutions are provided by Ascendium, a mission-driven nonprofit. Ascendium’s education philanthropy is actively working to improve postsecondary education and workforce training systems across the country. Here’s a glimpse into how Ascendium is working to make a difference.

Focused Philanthropy

Ascendium’s philanthropy is driven by a commitment to dismantling persistent barriers hindering the success of learners from low-income backgrounds. This includes a special emphasis on supporting first-generation students, rural students, veterans, students of color, and incarcerated learners.

As one of the nation’s largest and most dynamic postsecondary education and workforce training philanthropies, Ascendium directs the net proceeds from services and investments into programs and innovations with the potential for broad impact. In 2023, Ascendium awarded nearly $101 million in new grants to support partners working on innovations aimed at helping individuals from low-income backgrounds achieve their education and career goals. These grants play a crucial role in driving positive change within education systems.

Targeting System Change

Ascendium is all about making big changes to the way things work, so that learners from low-income backgrounds have equitable opportunities for both academic and career success. We recognize the evolving landscape of education and tailor our efforts to meet the changing needs of today’s students in a variety of ways.

• We understand that today’s students require supportive, affordable, and flexible pathways through postsecondary education to secure good jobs. A recent grant to fellow nonprofit Education Design Lab, for example, supports an initiative to strengthen the ability of rural colleges and states to better meet the needs of learners through high-quality, workforce-aligned training pathways.
• Policy developments, such as the opening of Pell Grant eligibility for incarcerated learners in July 2023, present new opportunities for positive change. They can also present new challenges. That’s why we support partners such as the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, who are working to bring financial aid administrators up to speed so they can help both incarcerated learners and institutions utilize this funding stream. Engaging with our partners on such developments helps ensure that our philanthropy remains relevant and effective.

Community Impact

Postsecondary education and workforce training don’t just benefit individuals — they contribute to the creation of stronger communities and local economies. For example, Americans with education beyond high school are much more likely to give charitably and volunteer in their communities. Ascendium is committed to fostering this positive impact through strategic initiatives.

Curious to delve deeper into Ascendium’s grantmaking efforts? Keep an eye out for our upcoming 2023 Education Philanthropy report, where we will provide comprehensive insights into our initiatives, successes, and the ongoing journey towards a more inclusive postsecondary education landscape.