National College Attainment Network

National College Attainment Network 🎓 Let's create a nation where all students can access higher education. We're the National College Attainment Network.

Drawing on the expertise of hundreds of organizational members in nearly every U.S. state, NCAN is dedicated to improving the quality and quantity of support that underrepresented students receive to apply to, enter, and succeed in postsecondary education.

Beyond the degree, college opens doors to careers, professional networks, and experiences that shape students' long-term...
08/28/2026

Beyond the degree, college opens doors to careers, professional networks, and experiences that shape students' long-term success.

In a recent op-ed, NCAN Comms Intern Karina Delgado reflects on her experience as a first-gen college graduate and the transformative impact of having access to higher education and support along the way.

As conversations about higher education often focus on return on investment and post-graduation earnings, her story reminds us that the value of college extends far beyond the degree itself, creating new possibilities for generations to come.

Read the full article at the link in the comments below.

Dual enrollment is more than a head start on a degree; it equips students with the knowledge and confidence to thrive in...
08/27/2026

Dual enrollment is more than a head start on a degree; it equips students with the knowledge and confidence to thrive in college.

In a recent op-ed, NCAN Comms Intern Jalana Smith reflects on how dual enrollment shaped her college experience, sharing the lasting academic, personal, and professional benefits that helped prepare her for the transition from high school to college.

Read the full article at the link in the comments below.

🎓 Students continue to see college as a pathway to opportunity.A recent article by Danielle Douglas-Gabriel at The Washi...
08/26/2026

🎓 Students continue to see college as a pathway to opportunity.

A recent article by Danielle Douglas-Gabriel at The Washington Post highlights findings from a Common App report that found 1.5 million students submitted more than 10.7 million applications during the 2025-26 cycle, a 6% increase from the previous year.

This momentum underscores the continued value students place on higher education, particularly among students who are the first in their families to attend college.

Read the full article linked in the comments.

Be one of the first to try the new FAFSA®! The U.S. Department of Education is looking for students to help test the bra...
08/25/2026

Be one of the first to try the new FAFSA®! The U.S. Department of Education is looking for students to help test the brand-new 2027-28 FAFSA form before it’s released to the public on October 1.

Participating in beta testing means you can:
🎯Fill out your 2027-28 FAFSA early
🎯Get a head start on the financial aid process
🎯Be part of shaping the future of how students apply for aid

Learn more & sign up here: StudentAid.gov/joinbeta

Submitting early doesn’t give you an advantage, but it can help you get a jumpstart on your

08/25/2026

What does the future of college access and success look like? Find out at our 2026 National Conference!

Join college access and success changemakers gathering in Las Vegas, NV, for 3 days of learning, networking, and collaboration this Oct 5-7.

Secure your spot before registration rates change on September 20. Learn more at conference.ncan.org

With savings guaranteed, children grow up knowing that education after high school is within reach. Read the latest anal...
08/24/2026

With savings guaranteed, children grow up knowing that education after high school is within reach.

Read the latest analysis from Chris Huber, President and CEO of the
Black Hills Area Community Foundation, on the new Trailhead Scholars program. Discover how starting a college savings plan early can help families confidently prepare for their child’s future.

Swipe to read the full article or click the link in the comments.

🎉 Meet Rachel Livingston, our August 2026 Member of the MonthAn alumna of the University of California San Diego, Living...
08/24/2026

🎉 Meet Rachel Livingston, our August 2026 Member of the Month

An alumna of the University of California San Diego, Livingston currently serves as Chief Program Officer at Fulfillment Fund. Her experience as an educator and college counselor drives her commitment to helping students achieve their educational and career goals.

Her favorite part of being an NCAN member? Connecting with other practitioners and being part of a network community dedicated to expanding college access and success.

Learn more about our member of the month in the article linked in the comments!

All eyes are on Workforce Pell as community college leaders prepare for successful implementation. 👀ECMC Foundation's Ed...
08/22/2026

All eyes are on Workforce Pell as community college leaders prepare for successful implementation. 👀

ECMC Foundation's Ed Smith interviewed Dr. Keith Curry, President and Chief Executive Officer of Compton College and Compton Community College District, to hear his perspective on how community college leaders can navigate Workforce Pell. Dr. Curry highlights key considerations for institutions, including careful planning, institution-wide collaboration, and accountability measures that maintain student-centric outcomes.

As Workforce Pell moves forward, community college leadership will be integral to connecting access and accountability with economic mobility, helping students successfully transition into the workforce after graduation. Read more at the link in the comments.

Workforce Pell implementation is ramping up across the country, making employer engagement essential to connecting short...
08/21/2026

Workforce Pell implementation is ramping up across the country, making employer engagement essential to connecting short-term training programs with workforce needs.

ECMC Foundation shares key information on the new Workforce Pell program, including eligibility requirements and how states are approaching implementation. While states are building a solid foundation for implementation, engaging employers throughout the process can help ensure programs remain aligned with hiring needs.

From mapping credentials to real hiring criteria to co-designing curriculum with institutions, meaningful employer engagement can help states strengthen Workforce Pell and create clearer pathways from education to employment. Read more at the link in the comments.

ICYMI: The Pell Grant program helps millions of students access and afford higher education, but a projected funding sho...
08/21/2026

ICYMI: The Pell Grant program helps millions of students access and afford higher education, but a projected funding shortfall threatens that progress.

In a recent op-ed for The 74, NCAN CEO Kim Cook examines why Congress must address the Pell Grant funding gap after expanding eligibility through the FAFSA Simplification Act. With seven million of the nation's 15.5 million undergraduate students relying on a Pell Grant to help pay for college, continued investment in the program is essential to keeping higher education within reach.

As conversations about the future of federal student aid continue, protecting the Pell Grant program remains critical to ensuring students are supported throughout their college journeys. Read more at the link in the comments below.

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