ASCEND NATIONAL COHORT
We recognize the immense value of your time and the weight of choosing to dedicate your team to a half-year program. That’s why the Ascend National Cohort is designed not just to inform but to transform. It’s not about far-off financial benchmarks or generic solutions; it’s about creating immediate, actionable strategies that meet you where you are and help you take the next big leap.
The program brings together a wealth of expertise to create a practical, results-driven learning experience. You will benefit from the academic and research resources of the University of Washington and the Foster School of Business, while also drawing from the knowledge of three world-renowned consulting firms and the strategic insight of a global financial services leader.
This unique blend of academic and industry knowledge is applied to your project through close collaboration with the Ascend National Cohort support teams, ensuring that the lessons learned translate into actionable strategies that elevate businesses to their next phase of success.
APPROACH
The program consists of a blended approach combining in-person and online experiences with various types of engagements to leverage the strengths of both face-to-face instruction and online learning to create a more flexible and engaging experience.
In-person
High-impact, interactive multi-day sessions on the UW Seattle campus take place at the beginning and end of the six-month program. Led by Foster’s world-renowned faculty and global business consultants, the sessions include relevant case study reviews, panel discussions, and group collaborations.
Virtual Webinars
In advance of each biweekly online session, you are provided with the topic outline along with any materials to review beforehand to help you prepare for your discussion. In some cases, you may be required to complete and return specific information in advance. Sessions include a group check-in, lecture, small group breakout discussions, and Q&A.
Global Consultation
- Accenture is recognized by Forbes as the management consulting firm most recommended by consultants and clients, across industries and functional areas, around the world. Ascend National Cohort companies work with Accenture to define their opportunity and challenge statements that guide their Ascend experience.
- JPMorganChase is a leading financial services firm based in the United States of America (“U.S.”), with operations worldwide. JPMorganChase had $4.4 trillion in assets and $351 billion in stockholders’ equity as of March 31, 2025. Ascend National Cohort companies work with JPMC to improve financial management as they prepare to move to the middle market and beyond.
- RSM empowers middle market companies worldwide to take charge of change. Their unique middle market perspective makes them the natural choice for growth-oriented, organizations seeking relevant insights and tailored, innovative solutions for a complex and changing world. Ascend National Cohort companies work with RSM to upgrade their financial management and accounting systems to prepare them for success as they move beyond the $20 million and through the $1 billion revenue level.
Coach and MBA Fellow
During the in-person session, you’ll connect with your coach and the UW Foster MBA consulting team to explore your business in depth, clarify your priorities, and review your Opportunity and Challenge Statements. Together, you’ll establish a meeting cadence and align on a final version of the statement. Once finalized, your MBA team will begin working on the selected project, turning insights into action.
Cohort Community
A strong and cohesive community of peers is at the heart of Ascend’s success. Building a thoughtful and empowering cohort is critical to:
Interest Form- Strengthen connections
- Highlight shared achievements
- Celebrate the collective effort
- Inspire camaraderie