Scholarship Should Not Be Confined to the University

Across universities, scholars generate knowledge that shapes industries, informs policy, and advances public understanding.
Yet much of this intellectual capital remains largely confined within academic institutions.

ASCEND was created from a simple but powerful idea:

The expertise of scholars can play an important role in helping individuals navigate education, careers, and life transitions.
When individuals gain access to experienced mentors who understand professional systems and career pathways, their ability to navigate complex environments increases dramatically.
By connecting scholars with individuals seeking opportunity and direction, ASCEND extends the reach of scholarly mentorship beyond the traditional boundaries of higher education.

Bridging a Critical Gap in Workforce Mobility

Across the United States, workforce development initiatives have expanded rapidly, investing significant resources into training programs designed to prepare individuals for employment.

However, many participants continue to face barriers when attempting to translate training or education into long-term professional advancement.

One reason is that career mobility is rarely determined by training alone.

Mentorship, professional networks, and career navigation guidance often play a decisive role in shaping opportunity.

Individuals who lack access to experienced mentors or professional networks frequently struggle to navigate educational systems, professional environments, and career transitions.

ASCEND was created to address this gap.

By connecting individuals navigating workforce barriers with the intellectual capital and professional insight of doctoral scholars and experienced professionals, ASCEND strengthens the pathways that link education, training, and long-term career mobility.By connecting individuals navigating workforce barriers with the intellectual capital and professional insight of doctoral scholars and experienced professionals, ASCEND strengthens the pathways that link education, training, and long-term career mobility.

A National Community of Scholars

ASCEND is powered by the Black Doctoral Network, a national community of scholars, researchers, faculty members, and professionals representing a wide range of academic and professional disciplines.
The BDN network includes individuals working across universities, research institutions, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and industry.
Many have studied or taught at leading institutions across the country and bring deep expertise in fields such as science, education, technology, healthcare, business, public policy, and the humanities.
Expertise spans science, education, technology, healthcare, business, public policy, and the humanities.
Through ASCEND, these scholars extend their mentorship and professional insight to individuals who may never otherwise have the opportunity to interact with a university professor or research scholar.
This intellectual capital forms the foundation of the ASCEND model.

Why BDN Is Uniquely Positioned to Lead This Work

Since its founding in 2012, the Black Doctoral Network has built one of the largest national communities of doctoral scholars and professionals in the United States.

Over the past decade, BDN has convened scholars, professionals, and emerging talent through national conferences, mentorship initiatives, and collaborative programs designed to strengthen pathways into academic and professional careers.

This work has created a vibrant network of scholars who are committed to extending their knowledge and mentorship to support individuals seeking opportunity and advancement.

ASCEND builds on this foundation by mobilizing the intellectual capital of the BDN network to support individuals navigating education and workforce transitions.

Because this network spans disciplines, institutions, and industries, ASCEND participants gain exposure to perspectives and mentorship that most workforce programs cannot easily replicate.

Expanding Access to Mentorship and Professional Networks

For many individuals navigating education or career decisions, access to experienced mentors can be transformative.
Mentors often provide insight into professional environments, help individuals understand career pathways, and offer encouragement during periods of uncertainty or transition.
Yet these relationships are often unavailable to individuals who are not already connected to academic or professional networks.

ASCEND expands access to these networks.

By connecting participants with scholars and professionals who provide mentorship, insight, and encouragement, ASCEND helps individuals gain exposure to the knowledge, guidance, and opportunity networks that support long-term career mobility.

Our Mission

ASCEND exists to expand access to mentorship, intellectual capital, and professional networks that support long-term career mobility.

Through the engagement of scholars and professionals who are committed to sharing their knowledge and experience, ASCEND helps individuals navigate educational and professional pathways with greater clarity, confidence, and support.

ASCEND creates new pathways connecting education, opportunity, and long-term professional advancement.

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ASCEND is a national initiative of BDN, operating in partnership with colleges, universities, and regional systems.

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