What We Do |togetherSCAN as a network

The Seattle College Access Network (SCAN) was established with a goal of increasing college success among first-generation, low income, and students of color, measured by those who apply for, attend, and graduate from post-secondary education institutions. For purposes of this work we define college as two- and four-year colleges, trade and technical schools and programs. SCAN is motivated by the reality that today's students face: by 2018 it is expected that the United States will need 22 million new workers with college degrees. In Washington State alone between 2008 and 2018, new jobs requiring postsecondary education and training will grow by 259,000 (Source: Help Wanted: Projections of Jobs and Education Requirements through 2018).

SCAN is a partnership comprised of representatives from higher education, workforce development, community-based organizations, the Seattle Public School (SPS) district, advocacy organizations and other youth serving agencies. The primary convening body for the network is the Alliance for Education a local education fund (LEF) that works closely with Seattle Public Schools.

SCAN members collaborate to align our work, share best practices, provide college access training, and facilitate a forum for understanding key policy issues that affect college access. The coalition is working with SPS staff to create a comprehensive system of support for students to have access to the services they need to stay on track for college.

In a survey conducted in the spring of 2010, students in Seattle Public Schools named finances as the number one barrier in getting to college. The Washington State’s College Bound Scholarship, an early commitment scholarship offered for low-income families, has the potential to remove that critical barrier for many of our students. Working closely with schools and communities, SCAN partners embarked on an effort in February of 2011 that resulted in more than 95% of SPS 8th graders fulfilling all the signup requirements for the College Bound Scholarship.

For the 2012 year, SCAN has identified three areas of focus: 1) increasing signups for Washington State’s College Bound Scholarship; 2) working with seniors to ensure FAFSA completion; and 3) providing support for high school seniors to ensure a smooth transition into postsecondary education.

What We Do |individuallySCAN as individual organizations

SCAN members provide support for students and families throughout the K-12 continuum and into post-secondary education. Many of those services are complementary and provide critical supports for students to stay on track. Several primary partners, including KnowHow2Go, College Success Foundation and the Northwest Education Loan Association (NELA), offer a variety of resources and materials to members.

SCAN members are bridging the gap between providers and schools so that more students receive the help they need for education access and success beyond high school. Through this coordination, the respective goals of the participating organizations, especially as they relate to student success, can be achieved more efficiently.