The Hunt Institute Receives $2.275 Million Grant from Ascendium Education Group to Advance Postsecondary Pathways for Justice-Impacted and Rural Learners

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 19, 2026
Contact: Dr. Javaid Siddiqi
(984) 256-8798 | javaid.siddiqi@hunt-institute.org

CARY, N.C. – The Hunt Institute has received a $2,275,000 grant from Ascendium Education Group® to strengthen state and regional leadership capacity, foster cross-sector collaboration, and advance bipartisan policy solutions that expand postsecondary education and workforce pathways for justice-impacted and rural learners.

This investment will support a two-year initiative focused on addressing systemic barriers that limit educational access and economic mobility for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals, as well as those living in rural communities. The grant marks the first award The Hunt Institute has received from Ascendium.

“At The Hunt Institute, we believe education has the power to transform lives and communities, and that includes learners who have too often been excluded from opportunity,” said Dr. Javaid Siddiqi, President & CEO of The Hunt Institute. “With Ascendium’s partnership, we will work alongside state leaders, educators, and stakeholders to advance bipartisan solutions that expand postsecondary pathways, strengthen workforce readiness, and improve long-term outcomes for justice-impacted and rural learners.”

Research continues to show that access to postsecondary education significantly reduces recidivism and improves employment opportunities for incarcerated individuals. Yet participation in higher education programs among justice-impacted populations remains limited, especially in rural areas where communities often face additional barriers including infrastructure gaps, workforce shortages, and limited educational access.

“Ascendium believes all learners deserve opportunities to achieve upward mobility through education and workforce training,” said Molly Lasagna, an Ascendium Senior Strategy Officer. “We are pleased to support The Hunt Institute’s efforts to advance bipartisan leadership and systemic reforms that expand opportunity for justice-impacted and rural learners nationwide.”

Through this initiative, The Hunt Institute will integrate justice-impacted and rural learner issues into its nationally recognized programs, including the Hunt-Kean Leadership Fellows program and State Legislators Retreats, while also supporting the expansion of the Elevate: Higher Education program model into Virginia. The effort is designed to equip policymakers with the knowledge, networks, and evidence-based policy tools needed to embed equity for justice-impacted learners into broader education attainment and workforce strategies. The initiative will also promote collaboration among higher education, corrections, workforce development, and community leaders to create stronger pathways to economic mobility.

“Too many talented individuals, particularly those impacted by the justice system or living in rural communities continue to face barriers to education and economic opportunity that limit both personal potential and community growth,” said Secretary Arne Duncan, Chair of The Hunt Institute Board of Directors. “In keeping with the vision and mission of Governor Jim Hunt’s lifelong commitment to expanding opportunity through education, this partnership with Ascendium reflects The Hunt Institute’s commitment to bringing together leaders across sectors and political perspectives to expand access to high-quality postsecondary pathways and workforce opportunities. By investing in these learners, we are investing in stronger communities, a more prepared workforce, and a more equitable future for our country.”

For more than 25 years, The Hunt Institute has worked at the intersection of education policy and politics to empower state leaders to drive sustainable reform and champion policies that improve educational outcomes for all learners. Through bipartisan convenings, policy analysis, leadership development, and strategic partnerships, The Institute has helped advance transformative state-level education policies across the country.

###

About Ascendium Education Group

Ascendium Education Group® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization driven by the belief that learning after high school gives people the power to build better futures. Our national philanthropy focuses on increasing opportunities for learners from low-income backgrounds to achieve upward mobility through postsecondary education and workforce training. We partner with organizations whose objectives align with our core strategies to expand opportunity, support learner success, and connect and align systems. Our grantees include postsecondary education and workforce training providers, intermediaries, researchers, and media organizations from across the U.S. To learn more, visit www.ascendiumphilanthropy.org

About The Hunt Institute

The Hunt Institute, an affiliate of Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy, is a leader in transforming public education. Marshaling expertise from a nationwide partner network since its establishment in 2001, The Institute brings together people and resources that help build and nurture visionary leadership and mobilize strategic action for greater educational outcomes and student success. For more information, please visit: www.hunt-institute.org