November 18, 2022 – Ascension has created the Ascension Foundation, a national philanthropic organization that will develop, support and promote activities that advance health equity.
The Ascension Foundation’s work will initially support:
- Novel programs that disrupt generational poverty and create new pathways to economic stability for families and communities.
- The creation of a future healthcare workforce that better reflects the race, ethnicity and cultural mix of the country.
“The Ascension Foundation is honored to partner with organizations that are creating long-term change for individuals and communities,” said Robyn Kress, Senior Vice President, Ascension Foundation. “We will invest in this work and look for new philanthropic support to accelerate and amplify these efforts.”
The Ascension Foundation has begun by establishing multi-year collaborations with three organizations that have proven success in three American cities.
Marian Middle School, St. Louis
- Annual scholarships for students at Marian Middle School.
- Support for Marian’s Graduate Support Program, including academic, social and financial support for Marian alumnae as they move through high school and college.
- Access to affordable medication to help provide health stability at home for students and their families.
Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee
- Support for current medical students to carry out clinical rotations at Ascension hospitals in Austin, Texas, and Indianapolis.
- Annual scholarships for new college graduates as they pursue medical education.
- Support for Meharry’s middle school pipeline programs.
Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit
- Tuition support for students in the Med-Direct and Post Baccalaureate programs.
- Potential clinical rotations for Med-Direct students in Ascension Michigan hospitals.