Helping build pathways to economic mobility
What We Do
Ascendways helps connect education and workforce systems to advance economic mobility.
We support organizations from K-12 education, higher education, and industry to build equitable pathways to high-wage, high-growth careers.
Focus Areas
We provide consulting services on policies and programs at the intersection of education and the workforce.
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Building structures for P-20 governance and collaboration, so that K-12 education, higher education, and workforce systems can partner seamlessly on shared goals
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Systemic change requires systemic planning. We help governments and organizations understand their current challenges, and develop a concrete action plan to address them.
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When programs and resources are aligned to workforce needs, it’s a win-win: employers get the skilled talent they need, and workers can begin high-wage, high-growth careers.
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In today’s economy, high school students need more than just a diploma. Modern CTE programs blur the line between high schools, colleges, and the workforce, so students gain the skills, credits, and credentials to succeed after they cross the graduation stage.
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Dual enrollment or “college in high school programs” enable students to earn college credit in high school, improving their likelihood of college enrollment and completion.
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Apprenticeships and other work-based learning experiences accelerate learning by enabling students to apply their skills in the real world.
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Data systems—especially statewide longitudinal data systems that connect K-12, postsecondary, and workforce data—are an essential element to any college and career pathways initiative.
Spencer Sherman is an experienced education leader passionate about advancing equity and economic mobility. Through his service in senior leadership positions in government, non-profits, and schools, Spencer has used innovative policymaking, effective management, and cross-sector partnerships to build more equitable education and workforce systems.
As Chief for Innovation at the Rhode Island Department of Education, Spencer oversaw the agency’s work related to college and career readiness, adult education, accountability, data, research, technology, and key strategic projects. He led PrepareRI, a cross-agency initiative that transformed Rhode Island into a national leader in college and career pathways. Spencer also served as Vice President of Policy & Partnerships at a California-based education non-profit, where he built employer partnerships and drafted policies to support the state’s $500M Golden State Pathways Program. Spencer began his career as a Teach For America teacher and later an administrator in New Orleans public schools.
Spencer earned his bachelor’s in political science at Yale University, and his master's in public policy at Harvard Kennedy School.
Let’s work together
Interested in connecting or learning more?
Email spencer@ascendways.org or click the button below.