Ascent

Last week, Ascent had the opportunity to host an informative session at San Diego Miramar College. Kumba McGill provided students with essential insights on the differences between private and federal student loans, strategies for securing scholarships and grants, and best practices for completing the FAFSA to maximize financial aid opportunities. McGill shared, "It’s always a pleasure to empower students with knowledge about the many ways they can fund their education. Paying for college doesn’t have to be overwhelming—with the right resources and support, like those offered by Ascent, students can confidently take the next step toward their future." Thank you to Miramar's General Transfer Association for hosting us and allowing us to connect with students on such important topics! #Ascent #FinancialAid #FAFSA #StudentSuccess

Ascent is proud to partner with The Forward Fund's to implement a new loan program with Cape Fear Community College, which provides crucial financial assistance to students pursuing careers in truck driving and electrical line work. By covering tuition, fees, and other expenses at zero percent interest, this initiative helps eliminate financial barriers, making it easier for students to enter these high-demand fields. It also addresses the growing workforce gap in industries that are vital to our economy. This loan program is a welcome addition to our Impact Portfolio, and underscores our dedication to supporting education and workforce development. By working together, we’re empowering students to thrive in essential sectors like trucking and electrical line work, creating lasting change, and helping individuals build a brighter future while contributing to the growth and success of our community. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eDq3xMag #AscentFunding #ImpactProgram #EconomicMobility

Missed our "Paying for College 101" webinar on February 27th? No worries – you can watch the full recording and enjoy it at your convenience! ?? https://lnkd.in/ezJ27Ub3 Our successful session with SAFE Credit Union covered essential topics on financial aid, including FAFSA, scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. We loved seeing Kumba McGill break down the financial aid process and its importance in helping students access the resources they need - we know understanding this complicated process can make a significant difference as you plan for college! Stay tuned for more webinars as we continue helping you navigate the financial aid process every step of the way. If there's a topic you're interested in learning more about, drop a comment below! ?? #Ascent #Webinar #FAFSA #FinancialAid

? Reminder! Our Paying for College 101 webinar is just around the corner! ???? Join us this Thursday, February 27th from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm PST for expert insights on navigating the financial aid process. Hosted by Ascent and SAFE Credit Union, this session will cover everything from FAFSA to scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. Our panel of experts— Kumba McGill, Erin Annis, and Savannah Brown CCUFC, CFEd?—will help you confidently navigate your path to college funding. Don’t miss out! Register now and take the first step toward managing your college expenses. Link: https://ow.ly/Wh8650V1BcK

Alison Valentino and Lorenza Gil-Kabande had the opportunity to connect with SDSU's driven marketing students last week at the SDSU AMA Networking Night. We were blown away by so many eager students ready to pursue internships and build a strong foundation for their careers after graduation! We LOVE supporting students access higher education and creating pathways to success, especially when they’re local and we get the chance to meet the next generation of talent entering the workforce face-to-face! #Ascent #SDSUAMA #Networking

Our team is looking forward to Structured Finance Association's SFVegas 2025 conference- three days of discussion, networking, and insights into the future of structured finance alongside 9,000 industry leaders and peers. Join Ascent's CEO & Co-Founder, Ken Ruggiero, Sunday at 1:00 PM, as he shares insights on the evolving student loan landscape. We are excited to connect with industry leaders, explore emerging trends, and discuss how we're driving innovation in education financing. Ken Ruggiero alongside Ryan Gray, Jeffrey Jackson, CFA, and Seth Formal, are excited to see you in Las Vegas! #Ascent #SFVegas2025 #StudentFinancing

We’d like to take a moment to recognize and welcome our six newest team members. ?? Each brings valuable experience and fresh perspectives, and we’re excited to have them join us as we continue to grow. We’re always on the lookout for new talent to add to our growing family. If you’re interested in joining a team that values talent, innovation, and collaboration, check out our current openings and stay up to date with new opportunities here: https://ow.ly/kqCm50UZBZ3 #AscentFamily #WelcomeToTheTeam #NewHires

Filing the FAFSA is the first step to unlocking various forms of financial aid – including potential funds from the college itself! Join our Paying for College 101 Webinar, hosted by Ascent and SAFE Credit Union on February 27th, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm PST to learn everything you need to know about navigating the financial aid process, and get expert advice on maximizing your aid options. ?? Don’t miss out: https://ow.ly/nTY650V0uhZ Enjoy this clip from our previous webinar on January 15th! #Ascent #FinancialAid #FAFSA #CollegePrep

That’s a wrap on the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.! Michele Joo Shank and Kumba McGill had an amazing time connecting with so many incredible professionals and gaining new perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in student financial aid. For Michele, it was her first time attending the conference, and she reflected on the experience: “It was a great way to connect with and learn from financial aid leaders at public and private higher ed institutions across the country, to hear about the challenges they are facing with respect to funding and enrollment, and to share how Ascent's impact loan programs and student success services can provide crucial access and support to students, especially in such uncertain times.” Ascent remains committed to working alongside experts and passionate professionals to drive meaningful change in student financial aid. We look forward to continuing the conversation and making a lasting impact. #Ascent #NASFAA2025 #FinancialAid #StudentSuccess

An amazing week of growth and connection at Ascent! ?? Our Professional Development Week brought together our employees for a week of in-person presentations, team-building, strategy sessions, and of course, a ton of fun! From professional headshots to a refreshing mid-week happy hour at Roma Norte, the week was a perfect blend of hard work and meaningful team bonding. Here's to continued success and collaboration—together! #Ascent #ProfessionalDevelopment #CompanyCulture