We believe that literacy creates a future of possibility…

…and we know that evidence-based instruction is the key to getting ALL students to their highest potential.

We help educators implement structured literacy grounded in evidence-based routines, bringing clarity, structure, and confidence.

Corey Pollard

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & FOUNDER

Corey founded Ascend with a singular vision: to make evidence-based literacy instruction accessible to every student who needs it. With a background in research and clinical psychology, she brings an analytical and data-driven approach to everything we do, from curriculum development to educator training to direct student support.

Under Corey's leadership, Ascend has grown from a small Denver-based clinic to a national organization serving educators and students across all 50 states and six continents. Her commitment to translating complex research into practical, effective teaching strategies has helped transform outcomes for hundreds of thousands of students.

A Team-Based Approach to Literacy Success

At Ascend, we understand that meaningful change requires more than one person. It takes a dedicated team working together toward a common goal. That's why Corey has assembled a skilled team of educational therapists, curriculum developers, and literacy specialists who bring diverse backgrounds and expertise to our work.

We combine deep knowledge in research, clinical psychology, special education, and classroom instruction. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that every resource we create, every training we deliver, and every student we support benefits from comprehensive, evidence-based strategies.

Together, we're on a mission to bridge the gap between research and practice, making proven literacy interventions accessible to educators and students everywhere.

A woman and a boy sitting at a table, working on schoolwork with books and markers, with a leafy plant in the background.

We know that all students have different needs and abilities.

In our Denver-based clinic, we've worked with and analyzed the growth trajectories of over 500 students of varying ages and abilities.

SMARTER Intervention team plans educational materials.

We understand that all schools and educators need flexibility!

We've worked with over 25,000 educators supporting over 250,000 students in all 50 states, in more than 25 countries, and across 6 continents.

Matt plans start your literacy practice training materials.

We stay on top of the latest topics and research to share with you!

We've presented at conferences and provided professional development throughout the United States.

What people are saying…

It has lit a fire in me again!

“I can't say enough about this program. It has lit a fire in me again!’”
- Laura S. (Educator)
This approach is exactly what we needed.

“WOW! This is fantastic! Thank you so much this approach is exactly what we needed ☺️ You never disappoint! You excel at setting others up for success. :) Thank you!”
- Emily K. (Educator)
Not only does she love reading again, she has the desire back to read on her own.

“The program at Ascend has been so amazing for my daughter who is now in 5th grade. Not only does she love reading again, she has the desire back to read on her own. The skills she has gained has helped with her self-efficacy and self-esteem. The staff at Ascend are not only great at their jobs but they are also empathetic and caring. I'm super grateful to have this resource for my daughter who has dyslexia.”
- Mindy R. (Parent)
It's kinda life changing.

“I'm so excited to be using this program with students. It's kinda life changing.”
- Cara Z. (Educator)
I feel so inspired and less alone!

“You guys make my job so much easier and less stressful! Thank you for everything yo do! I feel so inspired and less alone! I am so grateful for this community!”
- Kelli W. (Educator)
Ascend has been one of the best things to happen to our son...

“Ascend has been one of the best things to happen for our son since he was diagnosed with dyslexia. They have helped improve his reading, writing, and confidence.”
- Joseph O. (Parent)

Simple routines. Clear structure. Confident instruction.

Effective literacy instruction should align with research, without taking away the parts of teaching you love.

It can be both systematic and responsive.

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Spotlight PD Trainings

Practical trainings that help you implement simple literacy routines with clarity and confidence. Perfect for building confidence and expertise, one skill at a time.

Start with Simple Routines

Literacy Programs

Ready-to-implement literacy intervention programs built on the same research-backed routines for students in grades K–12, so you can support students with clarity and structure.

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Explore Structured Literacy Programs

5CCL Learning Lab

Ongoing professional development and a flexible library of literacy activities so you can refine instruction, respond to data, and keep growing with confidence.