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The Virginia College Access Network (VirginiaCAN) is an organization that provides leadership and support for Virginia college access organizations. We do this in two ways: first, by providing professional development and networking for the access groups helping students prepare for post high school opportunities in Virginia; and second, by educating key leaders on access and facilitating their support for increased resources to support access groups and the attainment of post high school education and training.

Mission

The mission of the Virginia College Access Network is to support and enhance post high school education access and attainment for residents of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

History

In November 2003, the Educational Credit Management Corporation (ECMC), State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) and Virginia Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (VASFAA) joined forces to host an awareness summit. The purpose of the awareness summit was to bring all of Virginia's college access groups to the table to discuss early awareness initiatives, efforts to overcome barriers to college accessibility and measures of effective college access programs. More than 100 access providers participated in professional development workshops and networking sessions. One outcome of the awareness summit was the expressed desire to create a statewide college access network.

In response to the awareness summit, an organizing committee worked diligently for two years to create the Commonwealth College Access Network (CCAN). On July 20, 2006, CCAN was officially incorporated by the Commonwealth of Virginia. In August 2006, officers were selected by the initial Board of Directors. On December 3, 2006 CCAN officially became known as the Virginia College Access Network (VirginiaCAN).

VirginiaCAN's mission is "to support and enhance post high school education access and attainment for residents of the Commonwealth of Virginia." To accomplish this mission, VirginiaCAN will support access programs and foster new initiatives; develop information and financial resources for students and families; and promote the benefits of greater access to post high school education.

VirginiaCAN has been designated by the IRS under 501(C)3 of the Internal Revenue Code as a tax exempt organization effective July 20, 2006.

As VirginiaCAN has matured, we have developed strategic and operating plans, policies and procedures and hosted five annual conferences.

2005: Richmond

2006: Charlottesville

2007: Newport News

2008: Staunton

2009: Roanoke

Additionally, VirginiaCAN has initiated "drive in" training designated for specific issues in access, affordability and retention.

The maturation of VirginiaCAN continues with a focus on continuing professional development and efforts in informing and advising legislators, policy makers and regulators, as well as key access supporters, and in 2010 we will be advocating in communities across the Commonwealth to create, organize and develop access programs and organizations .

Board of Directors

President
Bonnie Sutton
bsutton@accesscollege.org

Vice-President
Lee Andes
leeandes@schev.edu

Treasurer
Jeffrey North
jnorth@projectdiscovery.org

Secretary
Linda H. Woodley
lindawoodley@schev.edu

Executive Director
Tom Morehouse
tom.morehouse@virginiaCAN.org