Ascend at the Aspen Institute
Our Mission
Ascend at the Aspen Institute is a catalyst and convener for diverse leaders working across systems and sectors to build intergenerational family prosperity and well-being by intentionally focusing on children and the adults in their lives together. We believe in the power of co-creation. We are a community of leaders — well-connected, well-prepared, and well-positioned — to build the political will that transforms hearts, minds, policies, and practices.
Our Work
Our community of leaders embrace an ambitious and abundant mindset. Across all sectors, we come together under one north star of intergenerational family prosperity and well-being.
Together, we have ignited a movement reaching 15 million families.
Ascend Fellowship
The Ascend Fellowship brings together a diverse cadre of leaders who are well-connected, well-prepared, and powerfully positioned to build the political will, change systems, and drive the policy agenda needed for the prosperity and well-being of all children and families.
Ascend Network
The Ascend Network is a community of 600+ organizations advancing 2Gen approaches in policy and practice. Together, we’re creating bold, family-centered solutions that enhance the well-being, educational success, and economic mobility of children and the adults in their lives.
2Gen Approach
Two-generation (2Gen) approaches build family well-being by intentionally and simultaneously working with children and the adults in their lives together. This allows us to design policies and programs that develop holistic, integrated, and equity-focused solutions.
Postsecondary Success for Parents
We champion the success of more than four million student parents enrolled in postsecondary education by removing barriers, uplifting their voices, and advancing policies and practices that support their educational journey.
Our Resources
Access hundreds of free and evidence-informed materials to advance your work supporting children and their families. Below are just a few of our most popular reports.
From Vision to Action
We are proud to release the 2Gen Collaborative Toolkit, a resource for how to put strategies from the 2Gen Investment Case into action.
Our Team
Contact Us
Ascend at the Aspen Institute
2300 N Street, NW
Suite 700
Washington, DC 20037
202.736.5800
ascend.info@aspeninstitute.org