Ascendigo’s partnership with REI continues to grow, creating meaningful opportunities for learners to build skills, gain experience, and explore pathways to employment. One learner recently completed a full 160-hour paid work experience (PWE) at REI, and the skills she developed are already transferring into her ongoing volunteer role at Cattle Creek Thrift Store, where she continues to organize merchandise, hang clothing, and apply many of the same skills she learned at REI.
Today, REI is supporting another Ascendigo learner while also exploring opportunities to welcome two additional learners for paid work experiences. The partnership is evolving beyond training and skill-building, with REI open to considering potential employment opportunities based on learners’ performance, experience, and future staffing needs.
If these opportunities move forward, as many as three Ascendigo learners could participate at REI—an exciting reflection of how this partnership has expanded and the impact it can have. We’re grateful to the REI team for investing in our learners, opening doors to meaningful workplace experiences, and exploring what long-term employment opportunities can look like.
