HIAWATHA, IOWA (Sept. 1, 2015) — The Iowa College Access Network (ICAN), a nonprofit organization providing career, college and financial literacy planning assistance to Iowa students from middle school through college, has partnered with Kirkwood Community College to open an office in the new Kirkwood Regional Center at the University of Iowa in Coralville. ICAN’s mission is to empower Iowans to achieve their educational and career goals through statewide comprehensive outreach, initiatives and partnerships with schools, groups and businesses.

“Opening a student success center in the Coralville/Iowa City area has long been an ICAN goal, and the new Kirkwood facility is a perfect opportunity to build on our partnerships and expand college and career readiness throughout Johnson County,” said Rob Miller, executive director of ICAN.

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. In the 2014-2015 academic year, ICAN assisted more than 500,000 students and parents statewide. By having this new ICAN Student Success Center in Coralville, ICAN and Kirkwood hope to assist even more individuals find a path to their future.

“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.

“To have ICAN closer to our community of Lone Tree is going to be awesome.  We’ve always been spoiled with the fantastic ICAN employees going out of their way to serve the students and families in Lone Tree,” said Shelby Bryce, K-12 counselor for Lone Tree Community Schools. “The large group presentations done at our school are a phenomenal way to get important messages out to many people at once; this new location provides a more accessible place for parents and students to sit down with professionals in a more private setting and work out the many issues, questions, and concerns that come up while applying for financial aid and preparing for post-secondary plans. We love ICAN!”

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. 

PHOTO 1: Ryan Ronan, ICAN student success advisor, at the new Kirkwood Regional Center at the University of Iowa.

PHOTO 2: Ryan Ronan, ICAN student success advisor, works with a student to finalize financial aid for the 2015-16 school year at the new ICAN Student Success Center in Coralville.

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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.