2025 marks an exciting milestone for the National College Attainment Network (NCAN) as we celebrate 30 years of advocating for and advancing equity in higher education! We’re excited to share in reflection and celebration with our entire network, honoring
our nine founding members along the way, and hosting a special 30th Anniversary Celebration at our National Conference in New Orleans, LA, this September 8-10. Join us in celebrating all year long: by sharing our story on social and in your communities;
proudly displaying your “Member of NCAN” logo on your organization’s website and your email signature; make plans to join us at our National Conference, and more importantly; continuing to push through the challenges in our field to provide equitable
and exceptional services to students and families, just as you’ve done for the last three decades and counting! Read on to learn more about our journey to 30 years of impact in the postsecondary field.
The Road to 30 Years
At the heart of NCAN’s work lies a clear and compelling vision: "All students - especially first-generation students, students from underrepresented racial/ethnic backgrounds, and those from low-income backgrounds - have an equitable opportunity to achieve social and economic mobility through higher education." This vision drives every initiative, partnership, and policy change that NCAN champions. Our network works tirelessly to expand access to and success in higher education for those who face systemic barriers to achievement because our we understand
that higher education is not just a personal achievement; it’s a powerful tool for breaking generational cycles of poverty and creating pathways for future generations to thrive.
Since its inception as a 501c3 in 1995, NCAN has been steadfast in its mission to create an equitable path for students by ensuring that the policies and practices of the postsecondary attainment field provide the support and resources necessary to achieve
social and economic mobility through higher education. Recognizing the need to elevate the learning and development of the caring and knowledgeable adults serving students and families, NCAN’s nine founding members had a vision to create a space where
they can share best practices and spread college access and success services around the country.
These founding members were organizations that were already doing the work of supporting students and families in their respective communities- and together they laid the foundation for an
organization that would grow to influence policies, systems, and practices on a national scale.
Early Milestones
NCAN’s early years were focused on creating a platform for collaboration among organizations that shared the same vision. In 1997, NCAN held its first National Conference, bringing together educators, advocates, and thought leaders to discuss the challenges
and opportunities in college access and success. This annual event quickly became a hallmark of NCAN’s efforts, providing a space for members to learn from one another and share innovative solutions to common challenges.
In 2001, NCAN received a leadership gift from KnowledgeWorks Foundation, which allowed the organization to hire its first professional staff, based in Cleveland, OH. This move marked the beginning of a new chapter in NCAN's growth, allowing the organization
to build a strong foundation of staff and resources to better support its expanding network of members.
A Focus on Policy and National Impact
In 2007, NCAN took a bold step and relocated its headquarters to Washington, DC, strategically positioning itself to engage more directly with national policymakers and advocacy efforts. This move enabled NCAN to influence not only the practices of its
member organizations but also the policies and systems that shape college access and success on a national scale.
By being closer to policymakers, NCAN has been able to advocate for federal and state policy changes that benefit more than 2 million students and families each year. To date, NCAN continues to work closely with US government agencies and policymakers
to improve students’ postsecondary educational options, increase transparency and efficiency, and advance outcomes that strengthen our workforce.
Looking Ahead: A Future of Equity and Access
As NCAN celebrates 30 years of transforming the higher education landscape, we continue to build upon our legacy of advocacy, collaboration, and support for students. The organization’s work is as crucial as ever, with challenges like rising tuition costs,
changes to federal aid, and the ongoing effects of the pandemic creating new barriers to access and success. However, with its focus on equity and its proven track record of driving change, NCAN is poised to continue making a profound impact.
As we look ahead to the next 30 years, NCAN remains committed to its mission: to support members and influence leaders, organizations, policies, and systems across the country to increase equity and excellence in postsecondary degree access and attainment.
Through partnerships with schools, nonprofits, foundations, and policymakers, NCAN is determined to create a future where every student, no matter their background, has the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential.
In this 30th year of celebration, NCAN proudly honors its past while continuing to build a brighter future for students across the nation. Here’s to the next 30 years of transformative work and unwavering commitment to equity in higher education.
Email to a Friend