North Star Community Credit Union Partners with ICAN to 

Increase Access to Higher Education

College and Career Readiness Programming Fuels Economic Growth in Iowa

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA (February 19, 2013) —North Star Community Credit Union 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.

“The ICAN program does a great job of making area high school students and their families more aware of higher education opportunities, and North Star Community Credit Union is proud to be a partner in this important work,” says Jeff Hayes, President/CEO. “Our support of the program enables students across Iowa, and their parents, to have access to critical information and resources regarding college planning and financial aid information, which ultimately leads to improved student success.”

North Star Community Credit Union has locations in Cherokee, Ida Grove and Sanborn, Iowa. Through its partnership with ICAN, North Star Community Credit Union will provide support to OA-BCIG High School in Ida Grove , Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn High School in Hartley, Ridge View High School in Holstein, and Washington High School in Cherokee, impacting more than 3,000 students and parents.

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. North Star Community Credit Union 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 North Star Community Credit Union 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 North Star Community Credit Union, ICAN is able to deliver the College Access Power Plan to OA-BCIG, Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn, Ridge View and Washington High Schools 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 visitwww.ICANsucceed.org/calendar. Students can also contact ICAN toll-free at 877-272-4692, emailing ICAN@ICANsucceed.org, or visiting www.icansucceed.org.