Annual Report
The State of American Workforce Readiness 2026
A 50-state assessment of skills, credentials, and career mobility across the United States.
Research & Policy
Evidence for America's workforce future.
Nonpartisan analysis, national indicators, and rigorous field research from the ASCEND Research & Policy Center.
Impact Dashboard
127K+
Americans trained
$412M
Aggregate wage gains
94%
Credential completion
48
States active
Publications
Recent research from ASCEND.
Policy Brief
AI and the Future of American Work
How generative AI is reshaping demand for skills — and what public and private leaders should do next.
Indicator
Career Mobility Index 2026
A comprehensive index tracking upward economic mobility by state, region, and industry.
Employer Guide
Skills-Based Hiring Playbook
Practical guidance for employers transitioning from degree-first to skills-first hiring.
Field Study
Rural Workforce Report
Findings from the ASCEND America Initiative across rural and tribal communities.
White Paper
Apprenticeship at Scale
A federal blueprint for expanding registered apprenticeship in the United States.
Join The National Effort
Build the American workforce of the next century.
Whether you are a leader, funder, employer, mentor, or learner — there is a role for you at ASCEND.