Get to Know: ASPIRE

LCAN Coverage Area: Leon, Gadsden, and Wakulla counties

ASPIRE Capital Region launched in 2018 when leading community partners including the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, United Way of the Big Bend, Tallahassee Community College, and Florida State University came together with a shared commitment to strengthen talent development and educational attainment across the Capital Region. That collaboration became ASPIRE: Accelerating Student Performance Into Realms of Excellence Capital Region.

ASPIRE serves as the region’s local college access network (LCAN), aligning education, business, nonprofit, and government partners to ensure every student is prepared for success in college, career, and life. Through a collective impact approach, ASPIRE coordinates systems, shares accountability, and advances data-informed strategies across the education-to-workforce continuum.

What began as a small group of founding partners has grown into a strong, collaborative network. Today, more than 25 partner organizations share in this work, bringing leadership, expertise, and resources together to advance a unified vision for the region.

As labor market demands continue to evolve, ASPIRE is focused on expanding access, removing barriers, and strengthening pathways to education and high-quality careers, especially for historically underserved populations. Together, ASPIRE partners are building a future where every student is career and college ready, and the Capital Region thrives through inclusive growth and shared prosperity.

Website: https://www.aspirecapitalregion.com/

For more information, please contact:

Kim Kelling
kkelling@fsu.edu
Phone: 850-591-8084

Corrie Melton
cmelton@talchamber.com
Phone: 850-570-0613

Marcus Nicolas
mbnicolas@fsu.edu
Phone: 850-694-1690