ICAN Looks to the Future with Director of Development
ICAN looks to the future with Director of Development
Carla Jesse joins the Iowa College Access Network
WEST DES MOINES, IOWA (August 2, 2010) — The Iowa College Access Network (ICAN),
a non profit educational organization that empowers Iowans to achieve their educational and
career goals, recently named Carla Jesse as its director of development.
In this role, Jesse is responsible for bridging the gap between the incurred costs of ICAN
services and the assistance provided to Iowa families without charge. “ICAN is committed to
providing exceptional quality services at no cost to our families,” said Juan Garcia, executive
director of the Iowa College Access Network. “Carla’s new role will allow ICAN to continue
its support of Iowa students and potentially open doors to new programs we currently are
unable to offer.” Jesse is also charged with raising the organization’s profile in the
philanthropic community to serve the long-term funding required for long-term sustainable
growth.
Jesse comes to ICAN after 14 years working in the nonprofit world, including eight years of
professional fundraising. She has worked both for Girl Scouts and the American Red Cross,
and serves on the board of directors for a residence for low-income senior citizens. “I’ve
been so impressed by the work ICAN does in schools and for communities,” said Jesse. “It’s
my goal to establish a broad base of support throughout the state of Iowa so that ICAN will
continue to thrive and grow.” ICAN became an independent, nonprofit organization in the fall of 2009 in an effort to
provide new opportunities and assist other Iowa educational organizations in encouraging
students to pursue higher education. “We are continually looking for new ways to partner
with community members so that ICAN can remain a leading resource for college planning,
financial aid and career and college success.” Said Jesse.
Jesse holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Northern Iowa with a major in
sociology. Jesse will work out of the Cedar Rapids ICAN location. If you have ideas about
groups, businesses, or individuals that would be interested in learning about the role ICAN
plays in empowering students to get to college, please contact Jesse at (877) 272-4692 ext
7506 or cjesse@ICANsucceed.org.