Ascend Fellowship
Forecasted
Ascend Fellowship supports diverse cross-sector leaders through leadership development, coaching, and action plans to advance systems and policies that build prosperity and well-being for children and families.
Funder: Aspen Institute
Due Dates (Anticipated): May 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: 18-month fellowship with leadership development, coaching, and peer support
Summary: Supports diverse cross-sector leaders advancing systems change and policies that build prosperity and well-being for children and families.
Key Information: Fellows participate in four week-long Forums and design and implement an action plan.
Description
The Ascend Fellowship, run by Ascend at the Aspen Institute, invests in diverse leaders positioned to translate bold ideas into real-world change for children and families. Fellows work across sectors to reimagine systems that shape opportunity, build political will, and advance policy and practice. The program creates sustained space for reflection, trusted relationships, and cross-sector alignment so leaders can turn their authority, resources, and vision into lasting results.
Over 18 months, Fellows strengthen their leadership, strategize with peers, and develop high-impact approaches to challenges facing their communities. The fellowship sits within Ascend’s broader mission of intergenerational family prosperity and well-being. Its two-generation approach intentionally addresses children and the adults in their lives together, emphasizing holistic, integrated, equity-focused solutions and co-creation with families.
