HIAWATHA, IOWA (Oct. 6, 2015) — The Iowa College Access Network (ICAN) will celebrate the grand opening of its Coralville Student Success Center on Thursday, October 8, at 2:30 p.m. The celebration is part of a larger open house event with partners of the Kirkwood Regional Center at the University of Iowa.

Remarks will begin at 3 p.m. and the public and news media are invited to attend. The event will be held at 2301 Oakdale Boulevard in Coralville. ICAN is a nonprofit organization providing career, college, and financial literacy planning assistance to Iowa students from middle school through college. “The opening of the new Coralville center will allow ICAN to better serve students from Johnson County, surrounding counties and the University of Iowa,” said Rob Miller, ICAN executive director. “As experts in college and career planning, and the financial aid process, we look forward to helping students access their future plans, determine a budget for college that aligns with their intended careers, and help them complete the paperwork necessary to fulfill that plan.”

ICAN provides free services to students at any step in the process, but is most known for its assistance with the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

“The FAFSA form is the first step in the financial aid process and it’s important to make sure the first step is done accurately and effectively,” said Miller. “After the FAFSA we strive to work with students to review award letters and understand how to borrow wisely when borrowing is necessary, and to make smart financial decisions that offer the best path to success after graduation.”

“There are few things that cause more stress regarding higher learning than financing education,” said Jon Weih, director, Kirkwood Regional Center at the University of Iowa. “The new Kirkwood Regional Center at the University of Iowa welcomes the Iowa College Access Network (ICAN) as they establish a presence here in Johnson County.  Area school districts, parents and students can now calm the stress of navigating the financial aspects of college by seeking assistance through ICAN.“

The Kirkwood Regional Center at the University of Iowa is a unique partnership between Kirkwood, the University of Iowa, regional K-12 school districts, Grant Wood Area Education Agency, and industry partners to connect resources to impact the growing need for a vital, educated workforce in Eastern Iowa.

 “We are thrilled that ICAN is now readily accessible for all our Iowa City Community School District families!” said Linda Hoel, school counselor at City High School. “Each year ICAN provides important career, college, and financial aid planning services for our students. With the location of ICAN at our new Kirkwood Regional Center at the University of Iowa, it will be convenient for our students and parents to also receive individual support and assistance. The professional staff at ICAN consistently works collaboratively with our professional ICCSD guidance and counseling staff; they are a valuable resource for our counselors.”

ICAN served more than 600,000 Iowans in the 2014-15 academic year and provided assistance with more than 5,000 FAFSA applications across the state. The new center is now offering personalized college and career planning sessions, and financial aid appointments. All ICAN services are provided at no cost to students, parents, or participating high schools. ICAN serves in 99 percent of the schools in Iowa and currently has more than 80 programs on high school success, college planning, financial aid and financial literacy scheduled in the Iowa City/Coralville area for the 2015-2016 academic year. For more information visit www.ICANsucceed.org. 

Grand Opening

What: Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting at the Kirkwood Regional Center at the University of Iowa
Where: 2301 Oakdale Blvd in Coralville
When: Thursday, October 8
Time: 1:30 p.m. (Media Tours); 2:30-5 p.m. (Program at 3 p.m.)
Who: Free and Open to the Public

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About ICAN

The Iowa College Access Network is a nonprofit, educational organization. ICAN is the College Access Network for Iowa, and a member of the National College Access Network (NCAN). ICAN has 11 locations in Ankeny, Cedar Rapids/Hiawatha, Coralville, Council Bluffs, Davenport, Des Moines, Orange City, Ottumwa, Sioux City and Waterloo, which provide information and support to students and their families as they plan their postsecondary education and apply for financial aid. All ICAN programs and services are provided without charge. For more information about ICAN, call (877) 272-4692 or visit www.ICANsucceed.org.