By Bill DeBaun, Senior Director, Data and Strategic Initiatives
Reading time: Two minutes
If there’s one thing National College Attainment Network (NCAN) members know about supporting students on their postsecondary pathway, it’s this: that path isn’t just about grades and test scores. It’s about understanding who our students are, what drives
them, and how we can equip them with the tools and knowledge to achieve their dreams. That’s why I couldn’t be more excited for NCAN’s upcoming webinar series featuring Dr. Mandy Savitz-Romer,
a national thought leader on how practitioners can employ an approach that meets students where they are developmentally, including in terms of identity, mindset, and motivation.
The first webinar in the series is Wednesday, December 5 from 2-3PM ET. Registration is open now. Future dates will be announced in the new year!
Dr. Savitz-Romer, author of Ready, Willing, and Able: A Developmental Approach to College Access and Success, has spent her career exploring the critical role of identity formation, self-belief, and goal setting in postsecondary attainment. Her
insights offer a fresh perspective on the work NCAN members do every day to support students. This series is not just a chance to learn; it’s an opportunity to reimagine how we engage with students as whole people, not just future applicants.
The series will feature four webinars, each diving deep into a key concept from Dr. Savitz-Romer’s book. From why a developmental approach is critical, to understanding motivation, identity, and self-regulation, these sessions will explore how these concepts
can be woven into your programs and practices. Whether you’re a school counselor, a college access advisor, or a district leader, the insights shared will spark new ideas for how to meet students where they are and support their growth.
As NCAN’s longtime data director, I don’t often get the chance to engage with the socioemotional and developmental aspects of postsecondary advising. Reading Dr. Savitz-Romer’s book this past year was eye-opening and affirming, and so much of what I have
heard members talk about during my tenure with NCAN leapt off the page. I spent a lot of time nodding my head as I saw the practical advice for implementing this approach in the real-world.
What makes this series even more compelling is its interactive component. Dr. Savitz-Romer will also participate in two virtual peer exchange sessions, where you and your colleagues can bring your questions and share experiences. Plus, each webinar will
be accompanied by an in-depth blog post, offering practical opportunities for reflection and action.
This is more than a webinar series; it’s a chance to elevate your practice and bring your partners—school districts, community-based organizations, or colleagues—along for the journey. Together, we can deepen our collective understanding of the developmental
milestones that help students succeed and strengthen the systems that support them.
Importantly, this webinar series is open to NCAN members and non-members alike. Registration is now open—secure your spot and invite your peers! Let’s ensure
students are not only ready, but also willing and able, to achieve their goals.
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