Our Mission
NCAN's mission is to build, strengthen, and empower communities committed to college access and success so that all students, especially those underrepresented in postsecondary education, can achieve their educational dreams.
History of NCAN
Incorporated in 1995, the National College Access Network (NCAN), an organization classified as 501(c)(3) under the Internal Revenue Service Code, grew out of the informal networking of people who were involved in the then burgeoning field of college access.
Strategic Plan
NCAN's Board of Directors adopted the 2010-2013 NCAN Strategic Plan at its September 15, 2009 meeting. To read this plan, which includes mission, values, goals, and more, please click the link to the left.
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Success for All Students
In today’s economy, a college degree is in greater demand than ever before. Unfortunately, issues such as rising tuition costs and confusion about complex college admission and financial aid processes keep many qualified students from entering college. Many of those who do enroll face additional challenges finding the support and resources they need to graduate. These factors have left today’s young Americans less likely to obtain college degrees than members of their parents’ generation.
This trend is particularly troubling because the U.S. economy depends on more Americans getting more education. By 2025, there will be a shortage of 23 million college-educated adults in the U.S. workforce. The number of jobs requiring postsecondary education continues to increase while careers for workers with a high school diploma or less have plateaued.
The National College Access Network (NCAN) works to reverse this growing college opportunity gap. At NCAN, we unite the key organizations dedicated to increasing college access and success. With our members and partners, we develop and support programs and policy solutions that help more students enter and complete college and other postsecondary training.
All students, regardless of income, age, race, or ethnicity, deserve an equal opportunity for a college education. Underrepresented students often must navigate the college pathway without adequate financial resources, guidance, or a strong college-going culture in their high schools. NCAN works to overcome these barriers so students can gain the postsecondary credentials they need to embark on successful careers and build America’s future.
Our Members
With hundreds of members in almost every U.S. state, the National College Access Network is a unique and experienced resource for organizations that help underrepresented middle and high school students aspire to, apply to, enter, and succeed in college.
NCAN helps its members serve students better by providing programs with up-to-date tools and resources, connecting them to each other, and informing them of developments in the field. NCAN is also a voice for communities dedicated to college opportunity, advocating at the national level for improved access and success for all students.
NCAN Member Directory
The NCAN Member Directory also includes a searchable, interactive map of our membership organizations and supporting individuals nationwide. If you notice any discrepancies or would like to make changes to your listing, please contact Ann Harris at harrisa@collegeaccess.org.
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National College Access Program Directory
To find a college access program in your area, please visit the National College Access Program Directory.
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Privacy Policy
NCAN values the privacy of its members and we have structured our on-line activities to protect your privacy. When you register on our web site as a member of NCAN, the information is collected to verify your membership, to maintain the members-only portion of our website, and to send you confirmation emails and mailings. NCAN does not sell, trade, rent, lease or share personal information about our members to any third-party source not affiliated with the National College Access Network.