Our Mission
The ASCEND Foundation exists to expand access to careers in skydiving and aviation by removing barriers, clarifying pathways, and supporting the people who want to do this work well. We focus on guidance, workforce development, and financial support to help motivated individuals enter the industry, grow professionally, and contribute to a safer, more sustainable future for aviation.
Our Focus Areas
Creating Access & Opportunity
ASCEND works to improve access to careers in aviation and skydiving by reducing the financial, logistical, and informational barriers that often prevent capable individuals from entering the industry. Training costs, travel requirements, and limited local opportunities can make these careers feel out of reach. By providing financial assistance and targeted support, ASCEND helps open doors for individuals who are motivated, capable, and want to pursue professional pathways.
Supporting Continuing Education
Learning does not stop once someone enters the industry. ASCEND encourages continuing education and long-term professional development to help individuals grow, adapt, and advance throughout their careers. By supporting ongoing training and skill development, we help create a workforce that remains knowledgeable, capable, and prepared to meet evolving industry demands.
Workforce Development
Many regions face ongoing challenges due to a lack of qualified aviation and skydiving professionals. ASCEND focuses on workforce development by supporting pathways that help fill these gaps, particularly in underserved or high-need areas. Strengthening the workforce where availability is limited helps ensure consistent operations, improved safety outcomes, and long-term industry stability.
Career Navigation & Guidance
Many people interested in aviation and skydiving struggle not because of ability, but because the path forward is unclear. ASCEND provides guidance to help individuals understand available career options, training requirements, progression pathways, and professional expectations. By offering clear navigation and informed support, we help aspiring professionals make confident, well-informed decisions about their careers.
Improving Safety Culture & Standards
Safety is inseparable from professionalism and long-term workforce health. ASCEND promotes a strong safety culture by supporting high standards as the norm rather than the exception. We believe safety is a shared responsibility that must be reinforced through training, expectations, and leadership. By helping cultivate professionals who value safety as a core principle, we contribute to a safer and more resilient industry.
Strengthening Professionalism
A strong, sustainable industry depends on a professional workforce. ASCEND supports the development of professionalism within skydiving by emphasizing accountability, preparedness, and pride in the work. We believe professionalism is not just about credentials, but about conduct, responsibility, and a commitment to doing the job well—for the benefit of peers, employers, and the public.