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 burgeoning field of college access. There are several varieties of college access programs but all spend their resources, both financial and human, to help motivated, academically capable, low-income young people enroll in and graduate from college. All operate independently and act as strong and sometimes the sole advocates for the students they serve.
NCAN's current roster of members includes over 250 organizations, which are serving thousands of low-income students and their families in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Ontario, and Quebec. Geographically, they range from Massachusetts to California, reaching out to young people in inner cities and rural communities. Many members provide
last dollar or
gap scholarships to students who have been accepted into college but whose financial aid packages fall short of enabling the students to actually attend.
Click here to find a college access program in your area.
Our MissionNCAN'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.
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 here.
What are college access programs?College access programs are non-profit organizations designed to increase the number of students who pursue education beyond high school. The mission of these organizations is to open the doors to postsecondary education by providing financial counseling, last dollar scholarships, college visits, career guidance, tutoring and test preparation courses.