Local College Access Networks

Local College Access Networks (LCANs) aim to increase college attainment using a framework known as Collective Impact. The Bureau of Iowa College Aid provides grant money to fund an LCAN Coordinator, travel, training, and other costs associated with creating the network and carrying out LCAN initiatives. 

Each LCAN assesses the assets and needs of its community and works to fill the gaps in partnership with local colleges, school districts, area education agencies, business groups, elected officials, employers and community, and religious organizations. LCANs identify multiple community goals that focus on increasing college attainment.

 

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Iowa LCAN Spring Conference

The 2023 LCAN Spring Conference was a great success and we look forward to doing it again in March 2024. More information about dates and location coming soon! 

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Iowa LCAN Bulletin

December 2023 Iowa LCAN Bulletin

September 2023 Iowa LCAN Bulletin

 

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Virtual Presentation Library

LCAN and Collective Impact in Iowa - Feb. 22, 2022

LCAN Coordinator Gathering Recordings - Oct. 14, 2021

A Framework for the Future: Raising College Attainment Through Collective Impact - Jan. 28, 2021

Iowa LCAN Year 1 Grant Application Workshop - Feb. 25, 2021 (Watch A Framework for the Future, first.

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Key Partners

The Iowa Department of Education's Bureau of Iowa College Aid works with communities across the state to address workforce needs and increase educational attainment through the Local College Access Network (LCAN) grant series. Iowa College Aid provides consultation and funding to select Iowa networks, using the Collective Impact framework to increase college attainment at the local and statewide level.

  • Community colleges
  • Area private colleges
  • PK-12 school districts
  • Area education agencies
  • Chambers of commerce
  • Community action agencies
  • Community foundations
  • County or city elected officials
  • Economic development agencies
  • Traditionally underserved communities/populations
  • Faith communities
  • Major employers
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Public libraries
  • Service organizations
  • Workforce development agencies
  • Sector boards
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Iowa LCANs

LCANs Map

* statewide network

Year I

Ignite Pathways Regional Center

Year II

Math Pathways to Success

Year III

  • Brother to Brother LCAN (Des Moines)
  • Future Ready Perry LCAN

Year IV

There are no new grantees in Year IV, as new applications were not accepted in spring 2020.

Supplemental Support

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LCAN Grant Series

Iowa College Aid offers a four-year series of grants to Iowa communities to build Local College Access Networks using the Collective Impact framework. The LCAN grant series is intended as seed funding for locally driven collaborative measures. Iowa College Aid also welcomes applications from initiatives that are focused on serving a specific population within Iowa. Sustainability of LCANs and their initiatives should be considered beginning in the exploratory phase of the grant process and will be addressed throughout the grant series. View Grants-at-a-Glance 3.0 for a high-level view of what the grant funds; funding amounts and match requirements by year; grant deliverables for each year, and a summary of how each year progresses, building on the previous year.    

For more information on Collective Impact or the LCAN Grant series, contact Anne Thomas or Megan Sibbel.

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LCAN Grant Timeline

May 9: FY25 New LCAN Grant Workshop

May 22: LCAN grant applications due on IowaGrants for new and returning LCANs

May 23-31: Grant review

June 1-30: Award Notifications and Contracts

June 30: Final day for expenditures under FY24 grants

July 1: Start of FY25 grant contract period

July 31: Final day to submit claims for reimbursement under FY24 grants

August 31: First FY24 monthly claims for reimbursement due. FY24 closeout reports due

January 1: FY25 mid-year performance report due

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Resources

Collective Impact Theory and Research Resources

Partner Resources

Postsecondary Data

Iowa College Aid LCAN Data

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