In Fall of 2020, the National College Attainment Network (NCAN) introduced a funding opportunity that would allow members to take part in higher education policy and advocacy. This important initiative offers NCAN members and students around the country a valuable opportunity to make their voices heard. The College and Career Access Center applied and was honored to be selected among 33 college attainment organizations in 24 states across the country to engage in national higher education policy discussions over the next year. NCAN is committed to policy and advocacy as a critical strategy in closing the equity gaps that exist in higher education. To that end, the goal of the fellowship is to expand the breadth of NCAN member participation in advocacy.

In March 2021, CCAC Executive Director, advising team, and two student fellows from Albion College were able to participate, sharing their own personal testimonials at the state and federal level. Our team was proud to meet with our Congresswomen and men, to not only place Jackson on the map for our college & career successes but also to ask Congress to double the current Pell Grant award amount.

Closing The Equity Gap in Higher Education

The College & Career Access Center (CCAC) of Jackson is a very small agency with a very big goal. Our mission: "Navigating ALL Jackson County residents to productive careers through the pursuit of appropriate career training or post-secondary education." Since 2008, the CCAC has built and expanded upon a humble framework, placing emphasis on closing the college access and attainment gap for those students from historically underserved backgrounds: first generation students, low-income students, and students of color. 

ARTICLES

College Access and the Uphill Battle for Equity

Op Ed by Brian Green

23 Cities, States Receive Grants to Combat COVID-19 Related Post-Secondary Enrollment Decline

THE KRESGE FOUNDATION

The Rush Back to College Campuses is Leaving Behind the Most Vulnerable

POLITICO

First-Generation Students College Access, Persistence, and Post-Bachelor’s Outcomes

National Center for Education Statistics

More Students Question College, Putting counselors in a Fresh Quandary

The Hechinger Report