National College Access Network Changing the Face of EducationCarrie Warick, Director of Member Services, National College Access Network
1001 Connecticut Ave., NW Suite 632 / Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 347-4848 x 203 / Fax: (202) 530-4292 /
warickc@collegeaccess.org
Professional Development and Training
-Provides training and technical assistance in areas important to the field of college access and success to help staff do their jobs with accuracy and efficiency.Phone and Web-based Services:Building Blocks ToolkitThe Building Blocks Toolkit provides hands-on, step-by-step information for organizations that wish to start or expand a college access program. Toolkit examples include: a program readiness and capacity assessment questionnaire; an overview of program services offered by college access programs; and tips on how to add new program components.
Advisor Training ModuleThe advisor training manual is an annually updated resource NCAN develops for members to train their advisors on early awareness, admissions, financial aid, scholarships, standardized tests, and retention.
Member Only Portal on the NCAN WebsiteThe NCAN website hosts a Member Only portal which includes the Building Blocks Toolkit, member resources, government relations information, a member message board, and more. The general NCAN web site also links to all member program pages, the National College Access Program Directory, the Pathways to College Network Online Library, event information, and NCAN publications.
Technical AssistanceNCAN members may request technical assistance regarding programs and/or operations.
Opportunity to Nominate for NCAN’s Awards of ExcellenceThe NCAN Board of Directors developed the NCAN Awards of Excellence to recognize excellence in college access organizations, staff, and executive or board leadership, and to recognize a Champion of College Access. All nominators and nominees, except the Champion of College Access recipient, must be NCAN members or board members in good standing.
Event-based Services:Annual NCAN ConferenceThe national conference is a unique professional development opportunity for college access practitioners as well as an ideal venue to network with colleagues. In addition, the conference offers major presentations by researchers and policy makers, a variety of professional sessions, seminars and workshops, and social events. Based on membership type, NCAN members receive a discount or complimentary registration.
Advisor Training 2010In the summer of 2010, NCAN will host a two-day advisor training that is free for members and includes room and board plus a travel stipend.
Regional MeetingsEach year NCAN holds a series of Regional Meetings that are one-day, topic focused events. The 2010 regional meetings will have a retention and data/evaluation focus. All staff members attend free of charge (non-members attend for a fee.
Executive Directors RoundtableThis meeting is an opportunity for Executive Directors to network, to participate in the policy process, and to be advocates for college access. The Roundtable is held in Washington, DC, and includes visits with Congressional representatives on Capitol Hill.
Current Issues and Public Advocacy
-Keeps member organizations abreast of current events, research, and policy, to help members stay better informed, save time, and participate in the legislative process.NCAN Daily E-Briefing and Discussion ListservNCAN provides the NCAN Daily Update to members through its online discussion list. This daily digest includes policy issues, government resources, new research findings and other articles of interest to those associated with the field of college access and retention.
Member CallsNCAN hosts member calls that are open to all staff at member organizations. These calls cover topics including professional development, policy updates, and research presentations. Presenters are experts in their area and are usually from outside of the NCAN staff. These calls also allow members to raise any questions or discussions that are general topics or NCAN business.
Advisor Discussion ListservThis listserv provides updates, networking opportunities, and a discussion platform specifically for advisors and about topics of interest to them.
Legislative Assistance and HandbookNCAN is actively engaged in monitoring important legislative, educational and economic trends as well as issues related to student financial aid, college admission, and tuition increases. Members also receive the NCAN Legislative Handbook, which includes information about your Representatives, basics about the legislative process, and tips on issue advocacy.
Networking and Communication
-Connects members with colleagues, experts, and funding opportunities to help them improve and expand their organizations through shared information, partnerships and more.Networking through NCAN ServicesThe NCAN Discussion Listservs, in person events, Directories, and connections bring NCAN members together and connect them experts from the field.
NCAN Member DirectoryThe NCAN directory lists all organizational, affiliate and supporting organization members. A helpful tool for networking and sharing ideas, the directory is provided to all new members.
National College Access DirectoryAll regular members are listed in the National College Access Directory, allowing students and community members to search for the programs by location and service-type.
NewsletterAccessUpdate, the newsletter of the National College Access Network, is dedicated to reporting on issues pertinent to the field of college access. Focusing on helpful fundraising techniques, practices that work, and member activities, AccessUpdate is an important communication tool for NCAN members. NCAN members have the opportunity to write guest articles, be featured in the newsletter, and submit entries for the “Member Activities” section.