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| 13 Aug 2026 | |
| Written by Communications Account | |
| AFA Publications |
$1 million grant will fund research, state policy advocacy, and field-building work to expand apprenticeships nationwide
WASHINGTON, D.C., August 13, 2026 — Apprenticeships for America (AFA) today announced a $1 million grant from Ascendium Education Group in support of its work expanding apprenticeship across the United States. The multi-year grant, which runs through April 2028, will fund AFA’s core organizational capacity — including field-building, research, state policy advocacy, and membership development — as the organization works to grow the apprenticeship ecosystem nationwide.
“A body of research shows that apprenticeship works — and at a time of growing labor market volatility, models that connect learning and work are more important than ever. But the field needs stronger organizational infrastructure to realize apprenticeships’ full potential as engines of economic opportunity,” said Brittany Corde, Senior Program Officer at Ascendium Education Group. “Apprenticeships for America has brought much-needed leadership and vision to the national conversation around the future of apprenticeships, and we’re excited to support their efforts to build the research, policy, and membership foundation the field needs to scale.”
The grant comes as apprenticeship gains unprecedented attention, including the Trump Administration’s stated goal of reaching 1 million active apprentices. On July 7, the Department of Labor awarded nearly $162 million through its Pay-for-Performance Incentive Payments Program to encourage Registered Apprenticeship growth in sectors like AI, semiconductors, and shipbuilding. The growing federal commitment demonstrates the need for the stronger field infrastructure that Ascendium aims to provide with this funding.
The Ascendium grant will enable AFA to accelerate several key initiatives under its "Expanding Apprenticeship in America" strategy. These include launching a consulting hub to connect apprenticeship intermediaries with expert technical assistance, deepening its state policy engagement through a cohort of priority states, and conducting a first-of-its-kind state-of-the-field report to benchmark intermediary activities across the country. AFA will also expand its knowledge exchange programming, including a transatlantic partnership with the United Kingdom’s Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP) to share best practices between U.S. and UK apprenticeship systems. Ascendium’s Senior Program Officer Brittany Corde will serve as the organization’s primary contact throughout the grant period.
"As apprenticeships continue to gain popularity among policymakers and employers alike, AFA is entering a pivotal period of organizational growth, including expanding its membership base and building the capacity needed for long-term sustainability," said John Colborn, Executive Director of Apprenticeships for America. “We’re grateful for Ascendium’s support as we work to strengthen the national infrastructure for apprenticeship and drive meaningful policy and practice change in states and communities across the country.”
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About Apprenticeships for America: Apprenticeships for America (AFA) is the national industry association for the Registered Apprenticeship field, leading a growing movement to expand apprenticeships to 4 million active learners nationwide. AFA’s mission is to scale high-quality Registered Apprenticeships across every industry, strengthen the organizations that design and deliver programs, and help employers of all sizes build skilled, homegrown talent pipelines. AFA mobilizes a national network of over 200 apprenticeship intermediaries and partners who recruit employers, launch new programs, and sustain high-quality apprenticeships that create real economic opportunity for America’s workers and businesses. Learn more at apprenticeshipsforamerica.org.
About Ascendium: Ascendium Education Group is committed to making education and training after high school a reality for learners from low-income backgrounds. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we fund initiatives across the U.S. that help learners from low-income backgrounds achieve upward mobility; provide student and employee success solutions to colleges and businesses; invest in education-focused innovations to improve learner outcomes; and provide information, tools, and counseling to help millions of borrowers successfully repay their federal student loans. While we have many roles, we have one goal — elevating opportunity by creating a world where everyone can rise to their highest potential. To learn more, visit ascendiumeducation.org.
