Local College Access Network (LCAN)

Florida College Access Network (FCAN) is at the heart of a movement to ensure all Floridians have the opportunity to achieve an education beyond high school and prosper in our dynamic economy.

Local College Access Networks (LCANs) are community-based networks of education, non-profit, business, and government organizations committed to increasing college and career readiness, access, and completion rates for traditional and non-traditional students within their communities. LCAN members work together to better coordinate and leverage resources that break the barriers preventing students from completing their educations beyond high school.

Polk Vision's Talent Pipeline Team is the backbone of the Local College Access Network. The vision for the Talent Pipeline Team is to drive the development of a rich, industry-responsive talent pipeline to fuel economic mobility for individuals and businesses in Polk County. The Team also serves the LCAN's goal of increasing the number of residents holding a post-secondary degree or credential to 60% by the year 2030. 

IS YOUR COUNTY TALENT STRONG? USE FCAN’S MAP TO FIND OUT

 

Polk County Public Schools

Today, Polk County Public Schools is one of the largest school districts in the nation, encompassing more than 120 schools and serving more than 116,000 students through both traditional K-12 schools and a variety of other programs.

While expanding its physical footprint, Polk County Public Schools has also built a reputation for educational excellence, as evidenced by its more than 20 nationally accredited workforce academies, celebrated fine arts schools, and the rising number of schools offering International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement and Cambridge International programs.

As it grows and innovates, Polk County Public Schools remains true to its mission of delivering a high-quality education to every student … because at Polk County Public Schools students always come first. Be The Future Be U is excited to partner with Polk County Public Schools to deliver information that aligns with your academic goals.

 
 

Supporters

 
 

“Funding is through the College Access and Success Initiative 2.0,

a program of the Florida Philanthropic Network, made possible

through funding from the Helios Education Foundation and the

Kresge Foundation and administered through the GiveWell

Community Foundation.”

 
 

Partners and Collaborators:

  • Advent Health

  • BayCare Health Systems

  • Career Source Polk

  • Central Florida Development Council

  • Citizens Bank and Trust

  • City of Lakeland

  • Florida Polytechnic University

  • Florida Southern College

  • Keiser University

  • Lake Wales Charter District

  • Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce

  • Lakeland Regional Health

  • Polk County Board of County Commissioners

  • Polk County Public Schools

  • Polk State College

  • Southeastern University

  • United Way of Central Florida

  • Warner University

  • Webber International University

 

City of Lakeland: Community Services Grant Funds

 

Helios Education Foundation: dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals in Arizona and Florida to achieve a postsecondary education. The Foundation’s work is driven by four fundamental beliefs in Community, Investment, Equity, and Partnership. Helios invests in programs and initiatives across the full education continuum – from early grade success through postsecondary education.

 

GiveWell Community Foundation: College Access and Success Initiative, a program of the Florida Philanthropic Network, made possible through funding from the Helios Education Foundation and Kresge Foundation and administered through the CASI Challenge Fund within GiveWell Community Foundation

 

Florida College Access Network: LCAN Seed Grant sponsored by Helios Education Foundation through University of South Florida

 

The Kresge Foundation: a philanthropic private foundation headquartered in Troy, Michigan, United States. The foundation works to expand opportunities in America's cities through grantmaking and investing in arts and culture, education, environment, health, human services and community development efforts.

 

The Florida College System Foundation: Higher Education Coordinating Council - Attainment Innovation Partnership Award