About Us

Our Mission

We all want our children to lead happy and successful lives. To set students on that path, American Student Assistance^® (ASA) is committed to helping kids know themselves, know their options, and make informed choices to achieve their education and career goals.

Over the past 60 years, ASA has worked directly with students to improve their access to higher education. We are applying this knowledge to help put students on a path to meaningful learning and fulfilling jobs beginning in middle school.

The Problem We Are Addressing

Today’s economy demands that students graduate from high school, earn some type of degree or credential, and develop knowledge and skills they can use in a job. But far too many young people drop out of high school, fail to enroll in a higher education program, or are unable to complete their credentials. We want students to avoid the financial hardship and misalignment between education and career choices that has had a serious, negative impact on student completion.

Empowering Kids

Students need tools and information to help them make informed choices about life after high school. The path to discovery should begin as early as middle school so students can learn about all the educational and career possibilities ahead of them. We believe that career exploration at an early age can help students develop a clear plan for their future that lessens the financial burden of postsecondary education, and increases their chance of success in their careers.

Our Approach

We empower kids to find and pursue their own education and career path, and provide them with the support and tools they need to get there. ASA approaches its mission from multiple angles—innovating products, partnering, and funding programs and services—that deliver significant impact to kids on a broad scale.

Programs

We provide programs and resources to kids to discover, explore, and experience a broad range of post-secondary education options and career paths.

Partnerships

We collaborate with organizations to give kids tools to be successful—such as career coaching, apprenticeships, essential soft-skills training, and more—in pursuit of any educational and career endeavors.