What is college access network?

As described by the National College Access Network (NCAN), a statewide college access network is a unique college access support system that is usually focused on the creation and sustainability of community–based college access programs. Unlike other member organizations and associations of NCAN, a network not only concentrates on supporting its members but also focuses on replicating successful college access programs across the entire state. Does South Carolina currently have a college access network?

No, a statewide college access network is not yet fully in place, but the planning and implementation are in progress. Who is leading the effort to establish a college access network in South Carolina?

The South Carolina Higher Education Foundation, in collaboration with the Commission on Higher Education, is leading this effort. The South Carolina Higher Education Foundation was created as a partner to support the Commission on Higher Education (CHE) in its advocacy role for the state’s institutions of higher learning. The SC Higher Education Foundation’s mission is to provide funding for statewide CHE programs that fall outside the scope of state funding. The South Carolina Higher Education Foundation pledged to support the establishment and implementation of SC CAN at its November 2009 meeting, and work has already begun. What will it take for South Carolina to establish a college access network?

The initial planning stages for creating a statewide college access network include: • The South Carolina Higher Education Foundation is actively working through these steps, and a college access network will be in place once this groundwork is finalized and the network’s activities begin establishing a planning team comprised of representatives from key organizations including the K–12 and higher education systems, the volunteer and governmental sectors and the business or corporate community. • Securing seed funding to cover planning expenses and start–up costs, • Establishing the network as an independent non–profit organization, • Identifying college access needs of the state, • Identifying existing college access programs in the state, • Identifying gaps in service, and • Articulating measureable goals for the network. Once fully established, what resources will SC CAN provide?

SC CAN will serve as the premier resource for higher education awareness in South Carolina. As its primary focus, SC CAN will provide advice and guidance for the start up of Local College Access Programs (LCAPs) and provide resources for these LCAPs including seed money, continuous improvement assistance and advocacy support.

Additionally, possible SC CAN activities will include early awareness activities; career, financial aid, parental and adult learning advising; mentor and peer tutor development; “Last Dollar” grants; community workshops; and other assistance programs for students and their families. How does the SC CAN GO campaign relate to these efforts?

This integrated campaign is designed to support the establishment and promotion of SC CAN. Funded through the United States Department of Education College Access Challenge Grant program, the campaign will work parallel to our network development efforts by beginning to promote a college–going culture in South Carolina and raising needed awareness. Imagine the network as an overarching strategy with the SC CAN GO campaign as a subcategory in our plan to improve South Carolina’s educational level.