Program Overview

ASCEND Navigate is designed to support adult learners who are pursuing degree completion while preparing for long-term career mobility.

Returning to education can be challenging for individuals who are balancing employment, family responsibilities, and financial obligations. Many adult learners also lack access to mentorship and professional networks that help translate academic progress into career opportunity.

ASCEND Navigate addresses these challenges by connecting participants with experienced scholars and professionals who provide mentorship, professional guidance, and insight into career pathways.

Through structured mentorship and professional development programming, participants gain the support needed to persist in their educational journeys and prepare for professional advancement.

Who ASCEND Navigate Serves

ASCEND Navigate supports adult learners who are returning to higher education or continuing their studies while pursuing career advancement.

Returning to college after time away

Pursuing degree completion while working full-time

Balancing academic study with family responsibilities

Seeking mentorship and professional guidance

Connecting education to long-term career pathways

The program helps adult learners build persistence, professional identity, and access to networks that support career mobility.

What Participants Receive

ASCEND Care provides participants with structured mentorship and professional development designed to support long-term career mobility.

Mentorship

Participants are paired with mentors who provide academic insight and career guidance.

Professional Development

Workshops on leadership, communication, and workplace readiness.

Academic & Career Navigation

Guidance on education systems and career decision-making.

Opportunity Exposure

Access to industries, employers, and professional networks.

Program Outcomes

ASCEND Navigate supports adult learners as they persist in their educational journeys and prepare for long-term career mobility.

Through mentorship, professional development, and career navigation support, participants strengthen the skills and networks needed to move confidently into professional environments.

By connecting participants with experienced scholars and professionals, ASCEND Navigate expands access to relationships and guidance that shape long-term success.

ASCEND Navigate applies the ASCEND framework to support adult learners as they persist in higher education and prepare for long-term career pathways.

Engagement

Participants build mentorship relationships that reinforce persistence in academic environments and provide guidance through the challenges of returning to education.

Navigation

Participants receive support navigating higher education systems, degree completion requirements, and aligning academic pathways with career opportunities.

Development

Participants strengthen academic confidence, professional communication, and the skills needed to transition from education into professional environments.

Opportunity

Participants gain exposure to career pathways, graduate education opportunities, and industries aligned with their academic pursuits.

Mobility

Participants successfully complete degrees and transition into professional roles or advanced educational pathways.

The ASCEND Navigate

Adult Learner Persistence & Career Navigation

ASCEND Navigate supports adult learners who are returning to college or continuing their education while working toward degree completion and long-term professional careers.

Many adult learners balance academic study with work, family responsibilities, and financial pressures. ASCEND Navigate connects participants with mentors from BDN’s national network of scholars and professionals who provide academic guidance, encouragement, and career insight.

Through mentorship, professional development sessions, and career pathway exploration, participants gain the confidence and knowledge needed to successfully navigate higher education and transition into professional environments.

5,000+

20+

150+

10+