About Ascent
We are a student-run, 501(c)(3) founded in March 2017. Our sustainable business model emulates similar, successful groups such as HMFI, a student-run Microfinance initiative at Georgetown. We provide micro-loans to individuals in Columbus's developing neighborhoods and free financial education to various in-need groups around our Columbus community.
Our Split City
179,000
1 in 5
Between 2000 and 2013, Columbus's suburbs grew the fastest in Ohio, up 22.8% according to the annual State of Poverty commissioned by the Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies. In these years, Columbus's suburbs also experienced a 113.6% increase in suburban poverty.
Columbus is a great city, but recent expansion and development has left a large part of our community behind. A study in 2015 ranked Columbus as the second most economically-segregated major metropolitan area in the country. There's plenty of examples—take Franklinton and Upper Arlington, Bexley and the Near East, or Weinland Park and Victorian Village.
We're passionate about Columbus, and we want to make it a great city for everyone.