Talent Advocacy

What we do

Hiring veterans, military spouses, and service members shouldn’t feel like guesswork. Yet most programs focus on volume — handing employers resumés, job fairs, and databases, but not clarity, not readiness, and not certainty.

The ASCEND Collective is different.

We focus on capability.

We know the potential these candidates bring, and we refuse to let it get lost in outdated hiring funnels. The ASCEND Collective doesn’t rely on job fairs or resumé databases that waste time and money. Instead, we use AI-powered skills translation, customized career support, and experiential, applied learning inside our Vanguard Rising Lab to ensure our candidates are truly workplace-ready.

The talent is out there, ready to rise, to contribute, to belong — we make sure you meet them.

Want to know if Skills-First Hiring is Right for Your Business?

Where Your Donation Goes

We know the potential these candidates bring, and we refuse to let it get lost in outdated hiring funnels. The ASCEND Collective doesn’t rely on job fairs or resumé databases that waste time and money. Your donations power our AI-powered skills translation, customized career support, and experiential, applied learning inside our Vanguard Rising Lab to ensure our candidates are truly workplace-ready.

We prepare talent before they reach an organization — equipping them with the skills, language, and confidence to solve real business problems through hands-on, project-
based learning. 90% of every dollar you give goes directly toward fueling futures — equipping military veterans, military spouses, individuals of diverse abilities, justice-impacted talent, and small business founders with the voice, visibility, and readiness they need to thrive.

Your support doesn’t just fund programs — it transforms lives.

You are Elevating Talent. Empowering Futures. Building Communities to ASCEND.

Thank you for being a partner in this mission.

Contact Us

Have Questions? Need Assistance?
Email us at talentsuccess@theascendcollective.org

Corporations - Join the Mission

Ways to Give

Are you looking for a new career?

Tired of submitting resumes that never lead to an interview?
Want to translate your experience into transferable skills?

We don’t push you into job boards, resumés, or job fairs that leave you feeling overlooked.

We focus on you — your skills, your potential, and your readiness.

Build your FREE skills profile now and transform your life. Save a pdf of your skills profile and use it to talk about your skills during an interview, update your LinkedIn profile and other documents. Be proud of who you are – refuse to be judged on where you’ve been. After you complete your skills translation, come back here for additional career readiness tools, training and resources.

Build Your Skills Profile

Find Your Community for Additional Resources

Free IT Training Now Available Through Our Collaboration with iZen

Tailored for transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.
Develop in-demand skills in Cybersecurity and AI-ML
Gain real-world experience and certifications
Enhance leadership and soft skills with veteran mentors
Get personalized support for job readiness and placement

Candidates Learn More

Employers Ready to Hire?

Students - Learn More

Employers - Ready to Hire?

The L-EAF Lab’s mission is to prepare students for 21st century workforce needs by training them in the skills they’ll encounter beyond the classroom.
What sets the Lab apart is a commitment to agility. Students actively engage as teams, collaborate, and tackle real-world challenges.
They empower students with the executive skills that transcend classroom boundaries. Within the lab, students master team collaboration, honing skills in prioritization, planning, execution, and iterative improvement.
Students craft digital portfolios showcasing their skills and accomplishments. These portfolios are living proof of their growth and professional acumen.

Looking to Make a Difference?

DONATE or VOLUNTEER

Need resources for networking, education, health and wellness?

We are here to help!

Email: TalentSuccess@theascendcollective.org