PDF download

College and Career Readiness Programming Fuels Economic Growth in Iowa

CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA (February 28, 2013) — GNB Bank is partnering with the Iowa College Access Network (ICAN) to bring comprehensive college and career readiness programming and resources to students and parents in communities across Iowa, and to support initiatives around the state that support economic growth through increased training and education of Iowa’s future workforce.

“GNB Bank has a strong history of encouraging and teaching financial literacy among youth. We know money management skills and access to financial information are crucial to helping youth plan for their college education and for continued success throughout their lifetime.   ICAN does a great job of making every middle and high school student in Iowa aware of higher education opportunities, and we are proud to be a partner in this important work,” says Amanda Grineski, GNB Bank’s Marketing Officer. “Our support will enable students across Iowa – and their parents – to have access to critical college planning and financial aid information and resources, leading to positive student outcomes.”

Through its partnership with ICAN, GNB Bank will provide support to Grundy Center High School, BCLUW High School, Marshalltown High School and West Delaware High School, impacting more than 7,600 students and parents.

The ICAN Partnership Program is open to any business, organization or institution with the desire to support long-term economic growth and success for Iowa communities and citizens. GNB Bank has joined to support ICAN’s work in career and college readiness programming which is outlined in the ICAN College Access Power Plan, a suite of programs and services designed to help families better understand college and career planning, how to successfully navigate paying for college, and choosing both a college and major that are the right fit. 

“ICAN is proud to partner with GNB Bank in advancing career and college access readiness programming throughout the state of Iowa,” explained Rob Miller, executive director of ICAN. “The College Access Power Plan is designed to guide students beginning in middle school and throughout high school with the rights tips and advice for each level, ensuring that every student is prepared for the level they are in, as well as for the future steps they will need to take to be successful both in college and a career. ICAN offers the most complete, step-by-step guide for parents and students preparing for life after high school. With the wonderful support from GNB Bank, ICAN is able to deliver the College Access Power Plan to Grundy Center, BCLUW, Marshalltown and West Delaware High Schools at no cost to the school, its students, or families.”

The ICAN College Access Power Plan includes age-appropriate in-person presentations, printed guidebooks , access to a comprehensive  website, electronic newsletters containing monthly planning tips and reminders for students and parents as they journey through high school and college, and unlimited access to ICAN staff, via phone or in person, for one-on-one assistance. 

ICAN’s programs and services are developed and presented by ICAN’s highly trained representatives on topics such as high school planning, college and career planning, financial literacy, successful college transitions and financial aid. ICAN serves more than 280,000 students and parents annually. Students are encouraged to check with their high school counseling offices for the dates, times and locations of ICAN presentations in their area or visitwww.ICANsucceed.org/calendar. Students can also contact ICAN toll-free at 877-272-4692, emailing ICAN@ICANsucceed.org, or visiting www.icansucceed.org.