Ascend Fellowship
The Ascend Fellowship supports diverse leaders to develop and implement action plans that drive systemic change for children and family well-being through collaboration, coaching, and the Aspen Institute’s network.
Funder: Aspen Institute
Due Dates (Anticipated): June 2026
Funding Amounts: Limited flexible capital to seed partnerships and aspects of fellows’ work; 18-month fellowship term.
Summary: Fellowship for diverse leaders to drive systemic change and advance policies supporting the prosperity and well-being of children and families.
Key Information: This is a highly selective leadership development fellowship, not a traditional research grant.
Description
The Ascend Fellowship, offered by the Aspen Institute, is an 18-month leadership development program designed to invest in a diverse cadre of leaders who are strategically positioned to drive systemic change for children and families. Fellows are drawn from across sectors—policy, research, advocacy, direct service, philanthropy, and more—and are united by their commitment to advancing intergenerational family prosperity and well-being. The program emphasizes collaboration, action planning, and leadership coaching, with the goal of shaping policies and systems for transformative impact.
Fellows participate in forums, receive leadership coaching, and develop and implement an action plan that amplifies their vision for enabling children and families to reach their full potential. The fellowship provides limited flexible capital to support partnerships and aspects of fellows’ work, and leverages the Aspen Institute’s network to amplify fellows’ leadership and ideas.
