At today’s West Virginia’s Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) meeting, Philanthropy West Virginia, the Commission, and Community and Technical College System (CTCS) announced that Ascendium Education Group – one of the most active postsecondary education philanthropies in the country – has awarded $750,000 to support student success and accelerate degree completion through the Philanthropy WV Education Funders Affinity Group & West Virginia Climb initiative. The West Virginia collaboration is part of Ascendium’s inaugural rural philanthropy grantees.
“What makes this project truly innovative is the unique partnership between the state, Philanthropy West Virginia, and the network of education-focused funders,”said Danielle Vetter, Senior Program Officer at Ascendium. “Collaborative partnerships are often much easier talked about than executed upon. Having a group of funders coming together to support a single group of priorities is a model that not only can be replicated, but one that demonstrates lasting, long-term thinking for the state. This project would not be possible without the knowledge, relationships, and creativity of West Virginia’s philanthropic and educational leaders. Ascendium is honored to partner with these passionate leaders to support West Virginia learners.”
The Ascendium grant and partnering with local philanthropy will eventually invest over $1 million to propel forward the West Virginia Climb initiative. This program’s goal is ensuring that at least 60 percent of the state’s workforce has a postsecondary credential by 2030, and the programming resulting from the Ascendium grant will provide tools and resources for rural students, first-generation students, and students from low-income backgrounds.
“This announcement is the culmination of a tremendous amount of work by Philanthropy West Virginia members and partners working across various sectors to advance the success of West Virginia’s students. We are honored, excited, and thankful to be part of Ascendium’s inaugural rural grant awards with this nearly $1 million investment,”said Daugherty.
He added, “As a national foundation, Ascendium is to be commended for meeting West Virginia leaders on the ground, learning about their rural education needs, and then making a collaborative investment to accelerate a program that is community focused.”
The grant activities are scheduled to take place over the course of nearly two years, with initial planning work currently underway. Through Philanthropy West Virginia’s Education Funders Affinity Group (EAG), which is comprised of more than 25 foundations and companies, partners will work to bring more allies to the table, secure additional private donations, and leverage existing public investments to maintain and grow the student success programs made possible by Ascendium’s foundational commitment.
For the full announcement, click HERE
For more information about Philanthropy West Virginia’s Education Funders Affinity Group, visit HERE and more information about Philanthropy WV visit HERE! Follow on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn @PhilanthropyWV
