Ascend in the News

The Workforce Pell expansion will open doors for more Hoosiers to earn short-term credentials that lead directly to in-demand jobs, strengthening Indiana’s talent pipeline and future economy.

More than 265 regional partners gathered to launch the Learn More, Earn More coalition, moving from planning to action on a coordinated strategy to expand educational access, strengthen learner supports, and build a skilled talent pipeline for northeast Indiana.

The Don Wood Foundation is transforming Northeast Indiana’s economy by uniting education, industry and community to build a skilled workforce and drive regional prosperity.

With support from the Questa Education Foundation, Zander Huss overcame financial barriers to pursue mechanical engineering at Trine University, emerging as a driven student-athlete committed to giving back to Northeast Indiana.

Eleven regional organizations have been selected to serve as liaisons for student and school participation in the Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway (INCAP),

After years of meaningful conversations about workforce challenges, Ascend President and CEO Brad Rhorer has noticed a pattern: we talk about the problems more than we move through them.

Chris Lowery leaves a legacy of bold leadership, reshaping Indiana’s higher education with the HOPE Agenda and a focus on workforce relevance.

Work-based learning is gaining momentum as educators innovate beyond traditional internships, employers embrace youth talent pipelines and stakeholders push for scalable, well-funded, and standardized approaches that expand access for all students.

DANNAR’s collaboration with work-based learning programs equips high school students with real-world experience in advanced manufacturing, building essential skills and strengthening ties between education and industry.