College and Career Readiness Programming Fuels Economic Growth in Iowa

CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA (May 6, 2013) — The Iowa Association of College Admissions Counselors (Iowa ACAC) is partnering with the Iowa College Access Network (ICAN) to bring comprehensive college and career readiness programming and resources to students and parents in communities across Iowa, and to support initiatives around the state that support economic growth through increased training and education of Iowa’s future workforce.

“Iowa ACAC values the service ICAN provides to Iowa middle and high school counselors, students and families. We are proud to be a partner in this important work,” says Mark Petty, Iowa ACAC President. “Through our partnership and support, we can continue to enable all students across Iowa to have access to college planning, financial aid information and the college transition process. This is a win-win for our organization and ICAN.”

The ICAN Partnership Program is open to any business, organization or institution with the desire to support long-term economic growth and success for Iowa communities and citizens. Iowa ACAC has joined to support ICAN’s work in career and college readiness programming which is outlined in the ICAN College Access Power Plan, a suite of programs and services designed to help families better understand college and career planning, how to successfully navigate paying for college, and choosing both a college and major that are the right fit.

“ICAN is proud to partner with Iowa ACAC in advancing career and college access readiness programming throughout the state of Iowa,” explained Rob Miller, executive director of ICAN. “The College Access Power Plan is designed to guide students beginning in middle school and throughout high school with the rights tips and advice for each level, ensuring that every student is prepared for the level they are in, as well as for the future steps they will need to take to be successful both in college and a career. ICAN offers the most complete, step-by-step guide for parents and students preparing for life after high school. With the wonderful support from Iowa ACAC, ICAN is able to deliver the College Access Power Plan to communities throughout Iowa at no cost to the school, its students, or families.”

The ICAN College Access Power Plan includes age-appropriate in-person presentations, printed guidebooks , access to a comprehensive  website, electronic newsletters containing monthly planning tips and reminders for students and parents as they journey through high school and college, and unlimited access to ICAN staff, via phone or in person, for one-on-one assistance.

ICAN’s programs and services are developed and presented by ICAN’s highly trained representatives on topics such as high school planning, college and career planning, financial literacy, successful college transitions and financial aid. ICAN serves more than 280,000 students and parents annually. Students are encouraged to check with their high school counseling offices for the dates, times and locations of ICAN presentations in their area or visit www.ICANsucceed.org/calendar. Students can also contact ICAN toll-free at 877-272-4692, emailing ICAN@ICANsucceed.org, or visiting www.icansucceed.org.

# # #

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 locations in Cedar Rapids, Sioux City and West Des Moines, 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

About Iowa ACAC

Iowa ACAC is one of 23 state and regional affiliates of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). The 700-member professional association includes individuals, institutions, and other organizations from Iowa and around the country who assist students in transitioning successfully to postsecondary education. Iowa ACAC members demonstrate an unwavering commitment to professional and ethical practices in the college admission process.