Best Approaches to Support Low-Income Families to be Focus of Aspen Institute Convening

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The national momentum around two-generation approaches to poverty alleviation continues Oct. 7-9, 2015 at the Aspen ThinkXChange, when more than 200 thought leaders, policymakers, and parents from 40 states and the District of Columbia will assemble in Aspen for a deep dive into the best new research, models, and resources available to support low-income families. Two-generation approaches, which serve children and the adults in their lives together, have spread dramatically in the past five years at the local, state, and federal level.

ThinkXChange, hosted by Ascend at the Aspen Institute, is the preeminent convening of innovators dedicated to creating a cycle of intergenerational opportunity for families.

"The American dream is endangered in communities across the country," said president and CEO of the Aspen Institute Walter Isaacson. "The Aspen Institute Ascend program's vision for the two-generation approach is at the forefront of solutions to address the crippling national challenges of poverty and inequality."

The gathering will include in-depth exploration of models and innovation from the Aspen Institute Ascend Network of 99 leading national practice, policy and research organizations. Topics range from two-generation approaches to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act to the implications for families from new research on brain science, executive function, and behavioral economics.

"No single organization alone can change the trajectory of low-income families in this country," said Aspen Institute Vice President Anne Mosle. "It takes a network of bold leaders and organizations to change systems. Those transformative leaders form the backbone of the Ascend Network." 

ThinkXChange is made possible with the generous support of the Ann B. Friedman, Annie E. Casey Foundation, Bezos Family Foundation, Bill Resnick and Michael Stubbs, Chambers Family Fund, Charlotte Perret Family Trust, David and Lucile Packard Foundation, The Ford Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, The Rocksprings Foundation, Scott and Patrice King Brickman Family Foundation, Skillman Foundation, and W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

For more information about the 2015 ThinkXChange, visit http://ascend.aspeninstitute.org. On twitter you can follow @AspenAscend or visit on Facebook at www.facebook.com/aspenascend.

The Ascend program at the Aspen Institute is the national hub for breakthrough ideas and collaborations that move children and their parents towards educational success and economic security. Ascend works to spark a new conversation around low-income families, build a network of leaders through a national fellowship program, and elevate promising two-generation policies and community solutions. Learn more at http://ascend.aspeninstitute.org.

The Aspen Institute is an educational and policy studies organization based in Washington, DC. Its mission is to foster leadership based on enduring values and to provide a nonpartisan venue for dealing with critical issues. The Institute is based in Washington, DC; Aspen, CO; and on the Wye River on Maryland's Eastern Shore. It also has offices in New York City and an international network of partners. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org.

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SOURCE The Aspen Institute

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