Ascend Institute

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Logo: Ascend Institute

Real People. Real Jobs. Real Success. Your business is growing, and so too is the need for a skilled workforce.

The Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex is our home, and we’re focused on supporting local economic development organizations (or businesses) in their efforts to succeed. In DFW, 30% of jobs are now considered middle-skill jobs, which are positions that require at least a high school education, but not a bachelor’s degree. By training our workforce to meet the demands of the 21st century job market, our community can successfully contribute to a robust economy. Some of the hottest middle-skill industries right now include:


  • Technology

  • Health Care

  • Manufacturing

  • Construction

  • Logistics

  • Cybersecurity

  • Aviation

Ascend Offers:

Talent Acquisition and Development

Our career seekers are assessed for specialized job skills and aptitude, which will help us propose a career path option based on certain skills and talents.

Customized Training

We have developed training programs in several critical areas that employers urgently require. Thanks to our customized training plans, we can guide career seekers toward employers in need. Ascend also facilitates training grants through Skills for Small Business and the Skills Development Fund to support eligible businesses looking to upskill their employees.

Job Fast Track

We will grant direct employer access to our pool of newly qualified, middle-skilled talent. From there, our program completers will be well positioned for successful job interviews that lead to long-term employment.

I would highly recommend the team at Ascend to any employer needing to grow their workforce or any person looking for career advancement.”
Cory Lacy
Executive Director, Best Southwest Partnership

About Ascend and Dallas College

The Ascend Institute was born out of Dallas College's need to serve the business community in North Texas. Dallas College also offers apprenticeship partnerships.

The Ascend Institute, located at the Garland Center, is a key partner with the North Texas business community to develop a vibrant workforce within the region. Although we are part of the Dallas College network, we are exclusively focused on serving the needs of businesses.

The Ascend Institute will:

  • Serve as a resource to economic development organizations, government entities and community-based organizations to assist in the recruiting, retention and expansion of corporations and their workforces;
  • Partner with the corporate community to understand their human resource needs and develop talent acquisition solutions to meet those needs;
  • Serve as a resource for those in the community seeking opportunities in the workforce by developing programs and training community members for better job opportunities;
  • Provide customized training solutions and resources to business' current workers;
  • Connect workers seeking college credit or certification programs to the full resources of Dallas College;
  • Strengthen and expand strategic partnerships with local workforce boards, school districts, community-based organizations and others who are focused on workforce solutions.

Connect With Us

Tim Samuels

  • Regional Director-Corporate Partnerships, Innovation & Business Strategy

Julie Carey

  • Project Leader, Corporate Resource Management

Konley Kelley

  • Project Leader, Business Development & Employer Outreach

Kimberly Wilkins

  • Project Leader, Business Development & Employer Outreach