Community Giving

Adults in South Central Wisconsin need more education and workforce training pathways that align with the regional labor market. In response to that need, the Latino Academy of Workforce Development provides education and workforce programming to over 2,500 residents in Dane, Dodge, Jefferson, and Rock counties. Their programming includes personalized career planning, bilingual workforce training, and continuous coaching that empowers adult learners to succeed in the classroom and in the workplace.

Ascendium’s gift expands the Latino Academy’s bilingual and culturally relevant workforce training programs so that more people from all backgrounds can access career training, earn credentials, and obtain family-sustaining jobs. Additionally, the Latino Academy will use our gift to seek state certification for its construction pre-apprenticeship program, increasing its students’ access to registered apprenticeships.

Interest in conservation and green jobs is on the rise, but too few young people feel prepared to pursue careers in this growing field. The Foundation for Dane County Parks is working to change that by expanding opportunities for teens and young adults to build skills, earn certifications, and gain hands-on experience that can lead to future careers in natural resource management and skilled trades.

With support from Ascendium, the foundation is launching a new Conservation Career Pathways Program. By serving more than 500 young people through 2027, the program will not only cultivate the next generation of environmental stewards but also advance economic mobility by preparing learners from all backgrounds for success in the green jobs sector.

Nonprofits play a critical role in supporting learners and communities, yet in Wisconsin — one of only three states without a statewide nonprofit association — leaders often lack access to professional development and shared resources. The Madison Community Foundation is addressing this gap by building long-term support for the Irwin A. and Robert D. Goodman Nonprofit Center, a new hub for training, collaboration, and leadership development.

With support from Ascendium, the foundation is establishing an endowment to ensure the center’s sustainability for years to come. Through its yearlong fellowship program and curated resources, the center equips nonprofit leaders with the tools to strengthen their organizations, improve services, and expand opportunities for learners and families across the greater Madison, Wisconsin, area.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Dane County works together with local businesses, foundations, and community programs to produce positive outcomes for thousands of young people and their families. Their mission is to inspire and empower all young people to reach their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring adults.

A $2 million gift from Ascendium will support their AVID/TOPS (Advancement Via Individual Determination/Teens of Promise) endowment, ensuring long-term sustainability for one of the community’s most impactful college and career readiness programs. Since 2008, AVID/TOPS has served more than 3,200 youth and serves more than 1,400 students annually in postsecondary programs.

More student loan borrowers than ever need support understanding and managing their debt. According to the Education Data Initiative, over 700,000 Wisconsin residents collectively owe more than $24 billion in student loans. The Wisconsin Coalition on Student Debt assists these borrowers by seeking clarity around the key issues of student debt, college affordability, and loan repayment.

With Ascendium’s gift, the Wisconsin Coalition on Student Debt will provide valuable assistance to student loan borrowers struggling with repayment and help more learners from low-income backgrounds attend college. Our gift will enable comprehensive outreach to students before, during, and after completing postsecondary education to minimize debt up front and manage existing debt.

The Center for Black Excellence and Culture is a visionary community-led project designed to uplift Black voices and experiences through arts, culture, leadership development, and wellness. With support from over 1,200 donors — including more than 300 Black community members who helped launch the campaign — The Center has reached its $31 million capital campaign goal, ensuring a fully funded, debt-free construction.

Ascendium was honored to be one of The Center’s early lead donors with a $2.5 million gift in 2022, followed by a second contribution during the campaign’s final stretch to help complete the capital raise. Together, these investments support The Center’s opening and future programming focused on empowering Black communities in Madison, Wisconsin, and beyond.