The documentation provided details offerings from Ascend, encompassing educational resources for IT professionals, auto loan services, and a customer loyalty program called the Ascenders Club. Ascend provides industry-leading certifications, flexible learning options, and financial services designed to benefit its members. The available materials focus on IT training, automotive financing with competitive rates, and a rewards program for frequent shoppers.
Ascend’s Educational Programs
Ascend offers a range of educational programs focused on information technology. These programs are designed to prepare individuals for industry-recognized certifications, including those from AWS, Microsoft, and CompTIA. The courses are available through subscription plans, offering access for a period of 12 months. A key feature of the Ascend educational approach is the use of realistic tests that simulate actual certification exams, intended to build confidence in students.
The curriculum covers a variety of IT fields, including networking, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. Ascend emphasizes practical, job-ready skills, with instruction delivered by industry professionals possessing over 15 years of experience. The materials are designed to enhance classroom learning, providing real-world scenarios and practical exercises. For educators, Ascend offers pre-built curriculum resources and tools to facilitate seamless integration into existing learning management systems. Student progress can be monitored through detailed analytics and personalized insights. Ascend’s introductory course focuses on foundational IT skills, serving as a starting point for beginners seeking to enter the field. The documentation highlights the ability to build a strong foundation in networking as a means to enhance overall IT expertise.
Auto Loan Services
Ascend operates as a credit union, offering auto loan services to its members. A core benefit of membership is access to lower interest rates, as the organization shares its profits with its members. Over the past 20 years, Ascend has reportedly returned over $116.5 million to its members in the form of interest refunds and bonus dividends.
Ascend provides options for both new and used vehicle financing, with loan terms available up to 84 months. Loan amounts vary depending on the vehicle age and loan term. For new vehicles, loans with terms up to 60 months have no minimum loan value, with APRs ranging from 5.24% to 17.14% as of October 1, 2025. Loans with terms between 61 and 75 months require a minimum loan value of $15,000, with APRs ranging from 5.74% to 17.64%. For loans with terms between 76 and 84 months, a minimum loan value of $25,000 is required, with APRs ranging from 6.60% to 8.50%.
Used vehicle financing follows a similar structure, with APRs slightly higher than those for new vehicles. Loans up to 60 months have no minimum loan value, with APRs ranging from 5.74% to 17.75%. Loans between 61 and 75 months require a minimum of $15,000, with APRs from 6.24% to 18.00%. Loans between 76 and 84 months require $25,000 and have APRs from 6.85% to 8.75%.
Ascend offers Debt Protection options to provide peace of mind in the event of an accident or theft. The organization also allows members to skip up to two monthly payments per year on qualified loans. Ascend encourages pre-approval before vehicle shopping, as this allows members to understand loan stipulations, such as loan-to-value ratios or maximum loan amounts. Ascend does not impose early repayment penalties on any of its loan offerings. An indirect lending program allows applicants to apply for auto loans with Ascend rates directly at participating dealerships.
Example monthly payments, based on rates effective October 1, 2025, are as follows: a $10,000 loan with a 60-month term and a 5.24% APR results in a monthly payment of $190.20. A $15,000 loan with a 61-month term and a 5.74% APR results in a monthly payment of $284.73. A $25,000 loan with a 76-month term and a 6.60% APR results in a monthly payment of $404.38. Alternative rates yield slightly different monthly payments; for example, a $10,000 loan with a 60-month term and a 5.74% APR results in a monthly payment of $192.55.
The Ascenders Club Loyalty Program
Ascend operates a customer loyalty program known as the Ascenders Club. Members earn points with every purchase, which can be redeemed for savings, particularly on popular brands such as Ozone, Simply Herb, and Effin’. The program features a unified structure across all Ascend locations, simplifying the process of accumulating and redeeming perks.
Additional Services and Support
Ascend provides support to its customers throughout the loan application and educational program experience. The organization’s team is available to assist members at every stage, ensuring a smooth and positive experience. The documentation indicates that Ascend offers customized packages for vans and trucks, with financing based on a percentage of the invoice price, varying by vehicle age. For example, new vehicles can be financed up to 90% of the invoice price for professionally installed packages, while older vehicles have lower financing percentages.
Conclusion
Ascend provides a multifaceted range of services, including IT education, auto loan financing, and a customer loyalty program. The organization emphasizes affordability, flexibility, and member benefits. Ascend’s educational programs aim to equip individuals with in-demand IT skills, while its auto loan services offer competitive rates and flexible terms. The Ascenders Club rewards customer loyalty, providing additional savings on popular products. The provided documentation highlights Ascend’s commitment to supporting its members through various stages of their professional and financial journeys.