Meet Dana Ball, senior CAM manager for Ascend Learning brand ATI Nursing Education, the leading provider of online instruction, remediation, analytics, and consulting solutions for nursing programs. Dana said her favorite parts about working at Ascend are the opportunities for professional growth and to create innovative educational solutions that help change the lives of the customers and communities we serve. Hear more from Dana about what it’s like working at Ascend in our Q&A below.

What makes Ascend a great place to work?

Ascend is a great place to work because of our values. We’re committed to providing a culture for people to grow and thrive. Ascend is a good place to be!

How would you describe our culture?

Results-driven and selfless, with a constant focus on our customers.

What does it mean to you that our work changes lives? 

Our work changes lives not only personally as we grow professionally as employees, but we are providing client resources that help students be successful in their nursing program — and ultimately in a professional setting with patients.

What excites you most about your work?

Our work is exciting because of the innovation and forward thinking [solutions] we offer our clients. It’s good to be part of the future.

How have our values shaped your experience?

Our values are equally as important as our goals and how we measure performance. They help me focus on what’s significant and have a profound effect on success.

We’re always looking for talented, passionate professionals to join us in our mission to help change lives. If this sounds like a place where you’d thrive, explore our career opportunities at ascendlearning.com/careers.

Meet Kelley Persson, a member services representative with Ascend brands National Academy of Sports Medicine and Athletics and Fitness Association of America. Kelley has been with Ascend for more than 20 years and said she has experienced tremendous fulfillment playing a role in customers’ health journeys.

“At NASM and AFAA, our mission is to provide world-class fitness professionals with the knowledge and tools to transform lives,” says Kelley. “I truly feel that what we do here is very important, as helping individuals through their health and fitness journey is a life-changing experience for most. Knowing that I have helped with that, even in just a small way, brings me joy.”

Hear more from Kelley about what it’s like working at Ascend in our Q&A below.

What’s your favorite Ascend value and why?

Embrace Change. I have been through so much change over my time here, which is not always an easy thing for me, as I tend to be a creature of habit. However, some great things have come from it, and I now look forward to our ever-evolving workplace and the places it may lead us.

What’s the greatest piece of advice a mentor has given you?

“If you are on the right path, it will always be uphill.” This truly resonated with me as life can be very challenging, and if things are easy, I must not be doing it right. The hard road is the one I want to be on, as I know in the end it will have been the right path.

If you could have a completely different career for a week, what would it be and why?

I had always wanted to be a nurse, and it is still something I consider. I would love to work as a nurse. I know this job can be crazy and exhausting, but to me, these medical workers are truly heroes, and I would love to get a glimpse into their world.

How has your perspective changed over your 20 years with Ascend?

To put it in perspective, I started working with NASM just four months post 9/11, which now feels like it was so long ago, but also seems like it was just yesterday. Over my time here I have seen so much change and have met so many great people, while a lot of them have come and gone, some of those familiar faces are still here. When I began here, the NASM office was in Calabasas, CA, and home to just under 20 employees. As of today, NASM/AFAA is home to 240 employees, and I only see growth in its future! I look forward to what is to come and my future here with Ascend.

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We’re always looking for talented, passionate professionals to join us in our mission to help change lives. If this sounds like a place where you’d thrive, explore our career opportunities at ascendlearning.com/careers.

The Association of Test Professionals Award Recognizes Individuals Making a Positive Impact on the Testing Industry

Burlington, MA – March 16, 2023 – Ascend Learning announces that Ada Woo, vice president of innovative learning sciences, received the 2023 Association of Test Publishers Award for Professional Contributions to Service and Testing. Woo was presented with the award at the association’s annual Innovations in Testing conference March 13 in Dallas.

The award honors individuals who have made a positive impact on the testing industry through professional contributions and service including sustained leadership, advocacy and contributions that have improved the applications of testing, influenced professional standards and practices, and increased public understanding of testing.

“As a first-generation college student who knew little about higher education, standardized assessments have played an important role and opened doors in my educational journey,” said Ada. “Having experienced the opportunities testing can provide, I’m proud to be working in the workforce education and testing industry today. I’m honored to receive this award and help promote the value of testing for the next generation of learners.”

Woo was elected to the ATP board of directors in 2022 and was one of the leaders behind the association’s launch of its EdTech Computational & Psychometrics Summit and also has served as the chair of its Workforce Skills Credentialing Division. In her role at Ascend, Woo leads the research and development organization for Ascend’s healthcare segment, ensuring all components of learning and assessment product developments are fully and efficiently realized.

“As a proponent, leader and supporter of the Association of Test Publishers, Ada continues to impress all who have the privilege of working with her,” said association CEO William G. Harris, Ph.D. “She has been instrumental in leading ATP’s flagship Innovations Conference and also initiating new summits and events that continue to enhance ATP’s influence and relevance to the global testing and assessment community.”

“We’re thrilled Ada’s ATP colleagues are recognizing Ada for the same values we see in her every day,” said Sean Burke, president of Ascend Learning’s healthcare segment. “Giving back and contributing to the industry is important to us, and we’re proud industry leaders like Ada chose Ascend Learning as the place they can have a positive, purpose-driven impact on learners and educators.”

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About Ascend Learning

Ascend Learning is a leading provider of online educational content, simulation, software and analytics serving students, educational institutions and employers. With products that span the learning continuum, Ascend Learning focuses on high-growth careers in a range of industries, with a special focus on healthcare and other high-growth, licensure-driven professions. Ascend Learning products, from testing to certification, are used by frontline healthcare workers, physicians, emergency medical professionals, nurses, certified personal trainers, group fitness instructors, financial advisors, skilled trades professionals and insurance brokers. Learn more at www.ascendlearning.com.

About The Association of Test Publishers
The Association of Test Publishers was founded to promote and develop testing and assessment best practices and to facilitate an environment that would benefit test-takers, businesses, educational organizations, and society in general. The association charges itself with defining professionalism for assessment and ethics and promoting adherence to these principles. To achieve this purpose, ATP focuses on two primary initiatives: advocacy for the industry and education for its members.

At Ascend, we encourage our employees to pursue growth opportunities and expand their industry connections by contributing their time and expertise to professional organizations and sharing knowledge and experience speaking at industry events.

One team member at Ascend who recently shared her expertise with industry colleagues is Sweta Sinha, director of data science in Tech & Ops, who was invited to speak on “AI Governance for Building Responsible and Ethical AI Systems” and serve as a panelist speaking on “AI State of the Art, Organizational Topologies, and Defining Success” at the Data Science Salon in Austin, Texas on Feb. 21-22.

Traditionally a traveling conference that bounces between the coasts with multiple events throughout the year, the Data Science Salon in Austin brought together hundreds of industry leaders and specialists including executives, senior data science practitioners, data science managers, analysts, and engineering professionals to share knowledge and learnings. Topics included AI and machine learning applications in the enterprise, innovative new solutions in artificial intelligence, machine learning, predictive analytics and acceptance around best practices.

The Ascend Communications team caught up with Sweta recently to learn more about her experience speaking at the conference, the potential applications (and risks) of AI, and how it relates to our work at Ascend. We also invited her manager, Sumit Arora, vice president of data analytics in Tech & Ops, to contribute to the conversation.

Ascend Communications (AC): What was it like sharing your experience and knowledge with your industry peers?

Sweta Sinha (SS): I enjoyed participating and sharing my thoughts on the panel that I shared with other technical leaders. The conversation was focused on centralized vs. decentralized AI operating models and the advantages and disadvantages of each, the current state of AI in enterprise, how organizations can leverage Generative AI/ChatGPT technology while mitigating the risks, and what the future of education would look like in the AI era. 

AC: What were some perspectives you contributed to the panel and in your talk?

SS: AI is a key driver for innovation and enhancing customer experience. However, AI solutions come with their own challenges and risks, particularly in regulated industries. There have been numerous instances when AI introduced bias, ethical and legal risks. I talked about what steps organizations can take to govern the AI technology that will ensure this technology benefits, augments us, and makes life better for all it intends to.

I also emphasized the need for transparency, diversity, and establishing guidelines around development and usage — and the need for communicating clearly around power and limitations of the AI system usage. It’s important to establish an AI ethics committee who can oversee the fairness and ethical aspects of AI products being built. As more laws, regulations and guidelines are getting introduced on the fair and indiscriminatory usage of AI based systems, organizations are becoming more aware of the need for AI governance and looking to understand how to implement it.

I hope my talk was useful to those who are taking steps towards the implementation.

AC: There has been increased discussion, headlines and news about AI in recent months; for those who aren’t as familiar with the topic, what can you share about its importance?

SS: AI is becoming more and more prevalent in every aspect of our daily lives, including areas such as food production, education, healthcare, fashion, law enforcement, employment, and advanced scientific research. It has provided us with the opportunity to automate processes and proactive decision-making and has the potential to drive positive changes towards the future. However, there is also a significant risk of AI being unfair and biased towards certain demographics, as it can perpetuate systemic biases and unfair beliefs from our past.

It’s important to recognize the potential risks associated with AI and take steps to ensure that it is governed responsibly. By implementing governance processes for AI, we can leverage its benefits and minimize the risk of it being used unfairly or causing harm.

AC: What opportunities exist to leverage the power of AI at an enterprise level? 

SS: Emerging Generative AI technology has immense potential to help enterprises in many ways, including new content creation, automating processes and systems, creating virtual assistants, and enhancing customer experience. ChatGPT, an AI-based conversation AI, has gained significant attention lately due to its ability to engage in a human-like conversation and to serve as an unrestricted FAQ resource. By leveraging this technology, along with traditional AI/machine learning solutions, enterprises can increase efficiency, reduce cost and delight their customers.

SA: AI is a powerful technology that will undoubtedly impact our lives and will forever change the way businesses are run. However, there is a lot of hype around AI in the industry currently, and we need to carefully distinguish fact from fiction. At Ascend, it’s important that we pick the right use-cases for experimentation while keeping in mind our values, business goals and ethics.

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Interested in learning more about AI?

For professionals interested in learning more about AI, Generative AI and ChatGPT, Sweta recommends exploring articles published by Azure, McKinsey and Gartner.

This award recognizes Ascend’s commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace

Burlington, MA – March 14, 2023 – Ascend Learning, a leading provider of online educational content, simulations, software and analytics serving institutions, students and employers, announces that it has been recognized as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity 2023 by Newsweek in the Technology & Media category.

“I’m proud of our team’s commitment to our values and their ongoing work to create an inclusive, diverse workplace full of passionate, selfless individuals who build meaningful relationships with each other and our customers,” said Greg Sebasky, Ascend Learning CEO. “This tremendous recognition is a testament to their intentional and consistent efforts to make this a great place to work where people can thrive and cultivate a strong sense of belonging.”

To select this year’s list of recognized employers, Newsweek partnered with market data research firm Plant-A Insights to conduct research in three phases including a pre-study survey of HR professionals, an employee survey phase where participants were asked for direct recommendations of companies as employers, and a third validation and research phase of all findings before companies were added to the list.

During the research, companies with more than 1,000 employees were evaluated, resulting in 350,000 company reviews across the US. Research respondents were asked about employee satisfaction drivers including corporate culture, working environments, and other topics.

“Being inclusive is one of our core values, which are the foundation of our culture and the way we work at Ascend,” said Carolyn Vasquez, Ascend Learning director of talent development & inclusion. “We want our team members to have the freedom to bring their authentic selves to work — because it leads to our most creative thinking, strongest collaboration and a deeper sense of belonging and wellbeing among our employees.”

To view the full list of companies on Newsweek, click here.

Hear more from our employees about what diversity means at Ascend:

“In my decade with Ascend, I’ve seen huge strides made in accommodating diverse employees and improving the diversity and inclusion of our products. Having both observed and led DEI trainings at Ascend, I’ve seen how valuable these conversations are in changing how we think and how we work.”

-Kelly V.L.

“Ascend has a culture where I’ve always felt welcomed and celebrated for being myself. Our company and our employees truly live the inclusive value.”

-Alice R.

“Bringing an inclusive mindset into my work with my colleagues and our clients has measurably improved my communication, collaboration, and ultimately, business outcomes.”

-Jeremy G.

“We believe in and are committed to creating a supportive environment where everyone can accomplish great things, thrive and feel like their voice is heard.”

-Aravind T.

“At Ascend, I feel seen in a way I haven’t before. It’s so much easier to be yourself and give more of yourself to your work when you know that it’s valued.”

-Scotti W.

“I’m immensely grateful for the extraordinary, smart, kind and passionate people at Ascend who’ve helped make me feel welcomed, seen, heard and respected.”

-Marisa U.

“The culture at Ascend has always been one of my favorite things about my job. From day one, I felt heard, valued, and respected.”

-Rachel A.

“We’re a team of highly motivated individuals who like to work hard and have fun in an inclusive culture that embraces differences and change.”

-Sandra M.

“Within my first month, I felt a sense of community and purpose. To feel this connection so quickly speaks to what a wonderful organization Ascend is.”

-Lindsay M.

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About Ascend Learning

Ascend Learning is a leading provider of online educational content, simulation, software and analytics serving students, educational institutions and employers. With products that span the learning continuum, Ascend Learning focuses on high-growth careers in a range of industries, with a special focus on healthcare and other high-growth, licensure-driven professions. Ascend Learning products, from testing to certification, are used by frontline healthcare workers, physicians, emergency medical professionals, nurses, certified personal trainers, group fitness instructors, financial advisors, skilled trades professionals and insurance brokers. Learn more at www.ascendlearning.com.

Meet Jason Wojciechowski, director of digital marketing for Ascend Learning brand National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), a global leader in fitness and wellness education and certifications. Jason joined Ascend a year ago and works in partnership with NASM’s marketing, product and sales teams to develop and execute the brand’s digital marketing campaigns.

Jason said one of his favorite parts about being part of Ascend is the opportunities to learn, grow and improve through networking and collaborating with other professionals across the company. Hear more from Jason about what it’s like working at Ascend in our Q&A below.

What makes Ascend a great place to work?

Ascend cares about its employees and challenges them to get to new levels. There are several other segments within Ascend that allow you to network and ideate different thoughts and opinions.

How would you describe the culture at Ascend?

The culture is fast paced, there’s never a shortage of opportunities to explore and I’m able to learn new things every day if I choose.

What does it mean to you that our work changes lives?

I’m excited about how it impacts the world around us and how many lives we transform. We get to market to individuals looking to better their lives — and we get to do it with the best product in our field.

What excites you most about our work?

My team is what excites me the most. There are so many ultra-talented individuals on my team and in my peer network that I don’t have to go far to get the information I’m seeking. They’re beyond amazing and I’m lucky to be able to lead them.

How have our values shaped your experience?

I feel that the value that I most closely align with is accountable. Everyone on my team holds each other accountable for each of our areas. We work as a team and try to build everyone up and leverage each other’s strengths and push each other to new levels.

What words of inspiration would you offer to a candidate considering a career at Ascend?

There are so many amazing people throughout the Ascend organization that are more than willing to help each other. You get such a large family of individuals to network and learn from; it’s amazing!

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We’re always looking for talented, passionate professionals to join us in our mission to help change lives. If this sounds like a place where you’d thrive, explore our career opportunities at ascendlearning.com/careers.

As we celebrate the life of our dear friend, mentor and colleague Laurie McCartney, who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 55 on Monday, February 6th, we wanted to reflect on her deep impact on our organization and share more about her life and successes inside and outside of Ascend Learning.

Laurie joined Ascend Learning in 2016 and was President of our Fitness & Wellness segment, where she provided visionary leadership for the teams at the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), and Club Connect.  Powered by Laurie’s innovative and creative business strategies, these brands have significantly expanded on their mission to prepare today’s fitness and wellness professionals for successful careers.

Laurie was a devoted mother of two, an experienced entrepreneur, and an accomplished business leader. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she was also a student athlete as part of the field hockey team. She then went on to earn her MBA from The Harvard Business School. Earlier in her career, Laurie led strategic marketing and operational efforts for major brands, including the Walt Disney Company, Teleflora, POM Wonderful, Stila Cosmetics, YogaWorks, and Forever 21. She was also the founder, chairman and CEO of her own company, babystyle.

The youngest of seven children, Laurie was inspired by her father, a lifelong athlete, to appreciate the transformational power of fitness, and she loved knowing that through her hard work and the tireless efforts of her team, the world could be a healthier and happier place.

As President of our Fitness & Wellness segment, Laurie quickly identified innovative ways to support our community with new programs and resources, and she led her team to accomplish a remarkable list of achievements, including:

• Launch of Certified Nutrition Coach, NASM’s most successful specialization
• Launch of Virtual Coaching Specialization, which helped thousands of fitness professionals transition to virtual training during the pandemic
• Launch of Certified Wellness Coach, NASM’s first entry into the Wellness space
• Growth of NASM’s annual Optima conference, which brings together SMEs and learners in the fitness industry to advance the profession. The 2021 event welcomed more than 10,000 attendees from across the industry, and the 2020 event was recognized with a Gold Stevie® Award for Best Educational Event at the 18th Annual International Business Awards®.
• Acquisition of Club Connect, firmly establishing F&W with the leading education platform in gyms and health clubs and in the B2B wellness space
• Acquisition of PTontheNet, expanding NASM’s reach as the gold standard in Personal Training
• Buildout of the state-of-the-art F&W offices and gym in Gilbert, AZ
• Back-to-back recognitions as a Best Place to Work in Phoenix, and back-to-back wins of the Healthiest Employers in Phoenix

Laurie was very proud of her team and in recent weeks she was particularly excited about NASM’s record-breaking performance in January, which was the biggest month in company history.  

Outside of Ascend, Laurie also served as a leader in the industry as a member of the IHRSA Industry Partner Advisory Council, partnering with other leaders to grow, protect and promote the health and fitness industry. She also served as a member of the Forbes Business Council, the foremost growth and networking organization for successful business owners and leaders worldwide.

On Thursday, February 23, Ascend Learning will hold a special celebration of Laurie’s life across our company to honor her legacy of leadership. Laurie’s kindness, stewardship, and friendship are truly irreplaceable, and the entire Ascend Learning community will continue to honor her memory in everything we do moving forward. Laurie’s obituary can also be read online here.

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Places First for Palliative Care Nursing, Second Edition in the Palliative Care and Hospice Category

Burlington, MA, January 27, 2023 – Jones & Bartlett Learning, an Ascend Learning brand, today announced that eight products from its nursing and public health portfolios have been awarded the prestigious American Journal of Nursing (AJN) Awards. Each year the AJN conducts a peer-reviewed process of newly published textbooks and digital resources across nursing and healthcare selecting three best-in-class products per category. Since 1969, this annual awards competition has been highly regarded by professionals, faculty and librarians in both healthcare and academia.

“We are both honored and humbled to receive eight AJN Book of the Year Awards. Our authors and publishing teams work hard to create trusted, quality resources for nursing and healthcare students and professionals,” said Matt Kane, Director of Product Management, Jones & Bartlett Learning. “We want to thank the American Journal of Nursing for recognizing the efforts of so many as well as the nursing community we continue to proudly serve.”

As leaders in the pre-licensure and post-licensure nursing education markets, Jones & Bartlett Learning is honored to accept so many awards across the categories, particularly the first place recognition for Palliative Care Nursing: Caring for Suffering Patients, Second Edition by Kathleen Ouimet Perrin, Caryn A. Sheehan, Mertie L. Potter, and Mary K. Kazanowski. Jones & Bartlett Learning is also excited to accept awards for three first edition books: A History of Public Health: From Past to Present by Jan Kirk Carney in the History and Public Policy category, Population Health Analytics by Martha L. Sylvia and Ines Maria Vigil and Digital Health Care: Perspectives, Applications, and Cases by Phillip Olla and Joseph Tan, both in the Informatics category.

Awarded second place in the 2022 AJN Book of the Year Awards in the Community/Public Health category: Introduction to Health Behavior Theory, Fourth Edition by Joanna Hayden.

Awarded second place in the 2022 AJN Book of the Year Awards in the History and Public Policy category: A History of Public Health: From Past to Present by Jan Kirk Carney.

Awarded second and third place, respectively, in the 2022 AJN Book of the Year Awards in the Informatics category: Population Health Analytics by Martha L. Sylvia and Ines Maria Vigil and Digital Health Care: Perspectives, Applications, and Cases by Phillip Olla and Joseph Tan.

Awarded second place in the 2022 AJN Book of the Year Awards in the Maternal–Child Health/Prenatal Nursing/Childbirth category: Breastfeeding Management for the Clinician: Using the Evidence, Fifth Edition by Marsha Walker

Awarded third place in the 2022 AJN Book of the Year Awards in the Nursing Management and Leadership category: Financial Management for Nurse Managers: Merging the Heart with the Dollar, Fifth Edition by J. Michael Leger.

Awarded third place in the 2022 AJN Book of the Year Awards in the Nursing Research category: Evidence-Based Practice for Nurses: Appraisal and Application of Research, Fifth Edition by Nola A. Schmidt and Janet M. Brown.

Awarded first place in the 2022 AJN Book of the Year Awards in the Palliative Care and Hospice category: Palliative Care Nursing: Caring for Suffering Patients, Second Edition by Kathleen Ouimet Perrin, Caryn A. Sheehan, Mertie L. Potter, and Mary K. Kazanowski

About Jones & Bartlett Learning
Jones & Bartlett Learning is a world-leading provider of instructional, assessment, and learning-performance management solutions for the secondary education, post-secondary education, and professional markets. Jones & Bartlett Learning develops educational programs and services that improve learning outcomes and enhance student achievement by combining authoritative content written by respected authors with innovative, proven, and engaging technology applications that meet the diverse needs of today’s instructors, students, and professionals. www.jblearning.com

About Ascend Learning
Ascend Learning is a leading provider of online educational content, simulation, software and analytics serving students, educational institutions and employers. With products that span the learning continuum, Ascend Learning focuses on high-growth careers in a range of industries, with a special focus on healthcare and other high-growth, licensure-driven professions. Ascend Learning products, from testing to certification, are used by frontline healthcare workers, physicians, emergency medical professionals, nurses, certified personal trainers, group fitness instructors, financial advisors, skilled trades professionals and insurance brokers. Learn more at www.ascendlearning.com.

At Ascend, we strive to provide opportunities for employees to stretch their skills and advance their careers by moving among business segments, brands and teams — driving personal and team growth while creating a culture where people love what they do, take ownership and are empowered to pursue new career opportunities within the company so we “hire our own talent.”

Aravind Thimmapuram served as the lead software engineer on the learning management systems (LMS) platform team for five years in our Tech & Ops segment before making his move to software engineering manager on the same team in August 2022. Aravind sought guidance from his manager as he considered his move and continues to network with other leaders across Ascend as he settles into his new role.

Ascend Communications (AC): How did your former role help prepare you to make your move into a management role? 

Aravind Thimmapuram (AT): I’ve been working with this team for more than five years. We work together to build each other up and make sure we’re all on the same page by asking for feedback, offering help where we can and making sure everyone feels like their voice is heard. This makes for an atmosphere where people are constantly growing, learning, and challenging themselves.

From writing code and scoping complex tasks to coordinating teams to solve them, I’ve always liked having a broader, long-term strategic perspective in addition to focusing on day-to-day activities. I’ve learned a lot from these experiences including processes, teams and projects, and believe they gave me a unique opportunity to learn what it takes to become a manager.

AC: What was the process like making your move? 

AT: I’ve regularly discussed my career progression goals in 1:1 meetings with my manager. He always guided me and offered suggestions on areas for improvement and helped me understand the impact of my decisions so that I could learn from them. Using his feedback to improve myself, I’ve been able to gain more responsibility and more opportunities to lead independently over time.

I heard about this open position through an organizational announcement email and once the open position was posted on the career website, I notified my manager of my intention to apply. Once it got approved, I applied online and went through three rounds of interviews after which I was offered the position.

AC: How has your day-to-day changed in a management role?

AT: I’m learning how to balance people management, project management and technical knowledge to deliver the right product, the right way while supervising a team of software engineers and platform analysts. It’s quite like product development — you need to know the specs well (duties), build a roadmap (planning and scheduling), negotiate and allocate resources (people, budget), make sure the result (tracked performance) meets the specific client’s needs (company’s business goals), and debug and update (unblock and support engineers).

Each one of us has a mindset of being able to overcome any challenge. We believe in being transparent about our goals and strategies so that everyone has a clear understanding of what we’re trying to achieve, how we’re going to get there, and why it’s important. Ascend’s culture is very dynamic with a “growth mindset.”

AC: Are there any resources or people that have helped you transition into management?

AT: There is a leadership community where leaders from multiple Ascend brands meet monthly to share and learn from each other. I’m also reading a lot of management books to help me transition into management and highly recommend “The Making of a Manager” by Julie Zhuo. These community discussions and books are helping me understand and transition into this new role with ease.

AC: How have our values shaped or influenced this process for you?

AT: Our values have been a part of this process from the very beginning. They have shaped my experience with the team because they’re present in how we treat each other and how we approach our work. We value transparency and we do our best to be as transparent as possible. We also believe that communication is key — it’s how we keep each other informed about what’s happening so we can work together towards our common goal.

AC: What does it mean to you that our work helps change lives?

AT: “We change lives” is not just some corporate buzzword or mission statement — it’s something we live by every day at Ascend. When I see how much our work changes lives for the better, it inspires me to do even better work.

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When team members move to new roles across Ascend, they grow their skills and stretch their capabilities within a company they already know, maintain their benefits and connections with colleagues, and teams gain an employee already invested in the work, mission and culture — one that can ramp up quickly and bring legacy knowledge to their new role. To learn more about career opportunities at Ascend, visit our Careers page.

A list recognizing the most transformational digital learning and workforce skills companies

Burlington, Mass. (Jan 12, 2023) — Ascend Learning has been included in the GSV 150, a list of the world’s most transformative private companies in education.

Ascend Learning was chosen from over 4,000 venture capital and private equity-backed private companies revolutionizing the world of education technology. GSV estimates that together these 150 companies reach roughly three billion people — almost half of the global population — and generate approximately $25 billion in revenue.

“We’re honored to be recognized in the GSV 150 as a leader in online educational solutions,” said Greg Sebasky, Ascend Learning CEO. “As passionate champions for learners, educators and employers, we’re committed at Ascend to accelerate the learning pathways that can move people into careers of their choice, where they have the knowledge and skills to impact their communities throughout their chosen career.”

“We are excited to release the annual GSV 150, a selection of the leading private companies in digital learning and workforce skilling,” said Alexandra Argo, investor at GSV Ventures. “As we enter into what we call a ‘Brave New World,’ it is clear that you can’t use an old map to navigate a new world. This impressive group of companies continues to grow and evolve to meet the needs of learners and businesses at scale. After evaluating over 4,000 companies globally, we are proud to present the list of the 150 most impactful companies in digital learning that are leading the charge in providing ALL people equal access to the future.”

GSV 150 selections were made following a rigorous assessment of over 4,000 venture capital- and private equity-backed companies that met the following criteria:

• VC- or PE-backed companies in digital learning and workforce skills, excluding public and nonprofit companies 
• Companies that have achieved meaningful scale, and primarily, but not exclusively, those that are post-Series A in their development  
• Companies experiencing solid, organic top-line growth 

The final selection is determined by GSV’s proprietary scoring system, which applies scores across several KPIs such as revenue scale, revenue growth, active learner reach, international reach, and margin profile. 

The GSV 150 is distributed across Pre-K to Gray, covering early childhood, K-12, higher education, adult consumer learning, and workforce learning. Of these companies, 33% focus specifically on lifelong learning (which includes adult consumer learning and workforce learning), 32% focus on early childhood and K-12 education, and 5% focus solely on higher education. More and more companies are extending their reach across the lifetime learning cycle, with 30% of the 150 expanding across multiple categories from Pre-K to Gray.

North America — primarily the United States — is the most represented region, accounting for 60% of the GSV 150. India is also a significant contributor to the list, with 14% of the companies coming from that market, which has continued to experience rapid growth. Europe and Latin America each account for 11% and 7% of the GSV 150, respectively. The remaining 8% of companies are dispersed throughout MENA, Africa, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.

See the full GSV 150 list at www.asugsvsummit.com/edtech-150.

About Ascend Learning
Ascend Learning is a leading provider of online educational content, software and analytics serving students, educational institutions and employers. With products that span the learning continuum, Ascend Learning focuses on high-growth careers in a range of industries, with a special focus on healthcare and other high-growth, licensure-driven professions. Ascend Learning products, from testing to certification, are used by frontline healthcare workers, physicians, emergency medical professionals, nurses, certified personal trainers, financial advisors, skilled trades professionals and insurance brokers all along the learning continuum from student through the lifetime career professional. Learn more at www.ascendlearning.com.

About ASU+GSV Summit

The ASU+GSV Summit is the premier global event focused on technology innovation in education and skills. We believe that ALL people deserve equal access to the future. Started in 2010 with a collaboration between Arizona State University (ASU) and Global Silicon Valley (GSV), the annual Summit connects leading minds focused on transforming society and business around learning and work. Educators, investors, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs from around the world come together to innovate the future of education for all. Hosted in San Diego, over 5,300 people attended in April 2022. Speakers from previous years include President Barack Obama, President George W. Bush, Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, John Legend, Common, Marian Wright Edelman, Bill Gates, Sandra Day O’Connor, Reed Hastings, President Vicente Fox, Malcolm Gladwell, Gloria Steinem, Tony Blair, and Howard Schultz.