HIAWATHA, IOWA — (August 10, 2026) — A new school year brings a new opportunity for students to begin thinking about where their education, interests and talents can take them next. ICAN is helping schools and counselors begin the year with resources designed to support students and families throughout the career and college planning process.

Through its K–12 career and college readiness resources, ICAN provides schools with tools and guidance that help students build awareness of careers, explore education and training options, understand financial aid and develop plans for life after high school.

“Career and college readiness is a process, not a single event,” said Erick Danielson, Vice President, Programs at ICAN. “Students benefit when they have opportunities to explore their interests early and then build on that knowledge as they move through middle and high school.”

ICAN's resources are designed to support students at different stages of that process.

Elementary students can begin building career awareness by learning about different occupations, career areas and the connection between school and future opportunities.

Middle school students can begin exploring interests, career pathways and education options while developing the planning habits they will need in high school.

High school students can move from exploration to action by researching careers, building academic plans, exploring colleges and training programs, applying for admission, completing the FAFSA and identifying ways to pay for their education.

ICAN also works directly with school counselors, providing professional learning, planning resources and tools that help counselors incorporate career and college readiness into their work with students.

The organization is beginning the 2026–27 school year with resources that reflect an increasingly broad definition of postsecondary success. Students may pursue a four-year degree, community college, apprenticeship, skilled trade, military career, career training or another pathway.

“Students don't all need the same plan, but they do need access to good information and opportunities to explore,” Danielson said. “Our role is to help schools, counselors, students and families navigate those choices together.”

Families can access ICAN's career, college and financial aid planning resources at www.ICANsucceed.org.

About ICAN

ICAN 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 locations in Ankeny, Bettendorf, Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Des Moines, Iowa City, and Sioux City, which provide programming and advising support to students and their families as they plan for education and training after high school. All ICAN programs and services are provided without charge. For more information about ICAN, call (877) 272-4692 or visit www.ICANsucceed.org.