HIAWATHA, Iowa — September 8, 2026 — A new school year means new classes, new activities and new opportunities. It also means students are one year closer to answering an important question: What's next after high school?

ICAN is helping students and families answer that question through On Track, a series of free virtual programs designed to provide timely career and college planning guidance for students at each stage of high school.

“Students don't need to figure out their entire future at once,” said Erick Danielson, Vice President of Programs at ICAN. “What matters is understanding what steps are important right now. The things a freshman should be thinking about are very different from the decisions a senior needs to make.”

ICAN encourages students to think of high school as a four-year planning process:

Freshmen: Build the foundation.
The first year of high school is a time to establish good academic habits, get involved, begin exploring interests and understand how the choices students make now can affect future opportunities.

Sophomores: Explore the possibilities.
As students learn more about themselves, they can begin connecting their interests and strengths with potential careers. Sophomore year is also a good time to explore education and training pathways and begin thinking about what different careers require.

Juniors: Research and prepare.
Junior year is when exploration becomes more focused. Students can research colleges, apprenticeships, training programs and other options; visit campuses or workplaces; explore costs; prepare for applications; and identify scholarships and financial aid resources.

Seniors: Take action.
During senior year, students put their plans into motion. Applications, scholarships, financial aid, career preparation and final decisions all become part of the process.

ICAN's On Track programs walk students and families through the steps that matter most for their grade level and provide resources they can use throughout the year.

The programs also reinforce an important message for families: there is no single definition of success after high school.

“College may be the right next step for one student, while another may pursue an apprenticeship, career training, military service or enter the workforce,” Danielson said. “The goal is for every student to understand their options and have a plan that connects where they are today with where they want to go.”

The On Track series is free and open to students and families. 

Senior Night - Monday, September 14 | 5:30 pm
Junior Night - Tuesday, September 15 | 5:30 pm
Sophomore Night - Wednesday, September 16 | 5:30 pm
Freshman Night - Thursday, September 17 | 5:30 pm

Students and families can learn more about On Track and ICAN's free career, college and financial aid planning resources at www.ICANsucceed.org/ontrack.

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.