MADISON, WI (Aug. 19, 2025) — Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County (BGCDC) has received a transformational $2 million gift from Ascendium Education Group to support the AVID/TOPS endowment, ensuring long-term sustainability for one of the community’s most impactful college and career readiness programs. The endowment is a key priority within BGCDC’s new four-year, $25 million capital campaign, which aims to strengthen Club, Education, and Workforce programming while planning for the organization’s future needs.
The AVID/TOPS partnership combines classroom learning with real-world experiences to prepare students for success in college, careers, and life. AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination) is a four-year elective focused on academic rigor and skill-building, while TOPS (Teens of Promise) offers opportunities such as college visits, mentoring, internships, and career exploration. Building on this foundation, the TOPS College Success Program supports AVID/TOPS graduates as they navigate college, helping them overcome challenges and persist through to earning their degrees. The Foundation of the AVID/TOPS program was created and has been supported by Mary Burke, the Burke Foundation, and dozens of other donors.
Ascendium’s investment in the AVID/TOPS endowment reflects their commitment to expanding educational and career opportunities, breaking down barriers to success, and creating a future where every learner has the chance to reach their full potential.
In 2025, 234 AVID/TOPS students are graduating from high school with a 100 percent graduation and college placement rate. The program has consistently maintained a 99 percent graduation rate over the years, with 88 percent of participants identifying as students of color. BGCDC’s 15-plus year partnership with the Madison Metropolitan School District continues to serve as a national model for effective collaboration in closing the achievement gap.
Brett Lindquist, Vice President of Communications and Community Engagement at Ascendium, emphasized the alignment between the two organizations. “Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County shares our belief that learning beyond high school should be within reach for every learner, and they back it up with a proven model that is changing lives,” he said. “We’re proud to support their efforts to create more pathways to opportunity for young people in our community.”
“Our capital campaign is about more than raising dollars. It’s about ensuring that the programs that work best for our youth, like AVID/TOPS, have the resources to serve generations to come,” said Michael Johnson, President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County. “Ascendium’s investment is the largest corporate gift we have received so far, and it demonstrates what is possible when we work together to create lasting change.”
The campaign has already raised $5.5 million during its quiet phase. As it progresses, BGCDC will continue building a stronger future for Dane County youth by focusing on data-driven outcomes, expanding community partnerships, and unlocking the full potential of every student.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County: BGCDC is a local not-for-profit youth development organization serving thousands of youths in multiple locations, including four school-based sites and four traditional Club sites, including the McKenzie Regional Workforce Center. The Clubs inspire kids to dream big and provide them with the essential skills they need to succeed at a crucial time in their lives, offering impactful programs in five key areas: Character & Leadership Development; Education & Career Development; Health & Life Skills; The Arts; and Sports, Fitness & Recreation. See the impact they make in the life of each Club member here: www.bgcdc.org
About Ascendium: Ascendium Education Group is committed to making education and training beyond high school a reality for more people. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we fund initiatives across the U.S. that help learners from low-income backgrounds achieve upward mobility; provide student and employee success solutions to colleges and businesses; invest in education-focused innovations to improve learner outcomes; and provide information, tools, and counseling to help millions of borrowers successfully repay their federal student loans. While we have many roles, we have one goal — elevating opportunity by creating a world where everyone can reach their highest potential. To learn more, visit ascendiumeducation.org.
