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.
  • EY exists to build a better working world, helping to create long-term value for clients, people and society and build trust in the capital markets. Enabled by data and technology, diverse EY teams in over 150 countries provide trust through assurance and help clients grow, transform and operate. Ascend National Cohort companies work with EY to identify their key drivers of success and to develop a technology enhancement strategy.
  • 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 over the $20 million and through the $1 billion revenue level.

Coach and MBA Fellow

On the third day of the in-person session, you’ll meet with your coach to learn more about your company, what are your priorities, review your Challenge Statement and determine the meeting cadence of working together. Once you and your coach are in agreement with the final version of your Challenge Statement, a UW Foster MBA Fellow will be assigned to work on your selected research project.

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:
  • Strengthen connections
  • Highlight shared achievements
  • Celebrate the collective effort
  • Inspire camaraderie
When participants see their goals embraced and their successes recognized, the program becomes a shared investment in their growth and the success of the group.

B2G AT MOREHOUSE COLLEGE

Morehouse College has been part of the Ascend network since its inception in 2016. First, it operated under the Ascend Atlanta program. In 2023, Morehouse joined the National Cohort program, which focuses on serving customers of federal, state, and local governments. What is slightly different is that these B2G businesses participate in in-person sessions on the Morehouse campus and then join the National Cohort in virtual sessions with global consulting firms.
Morehouse ANC Application