Tampa, FL- In order to lead and remain economically competitive globally, Florida needs to produce more college graduates with high-quality degrees or credentials. Doing so will require strong partnerships across sectors and local action that maximizes resources, reduces duplication, and builds broad-based consensus around Florida’s programmatic and policy direction for improving higher education. That’s why the Florida College Access Network (Florida C.A.N.!) is launching an effort to create and strengthen a statewide network that catalyzes and supports communities to improve college and career preparation, access, and completion for all students. All organizations, businesses, and individuals interested in helping Florida significantly increase its college degree attainment rate are invited to participate in the Florida College Access & Success Summit in Tampa next month. The summit takes place on Friday, May 11th from 9am-2pm at the University of South Florida’s Marshall Student Center. The Florida College Access & Success Summit brings together leaders from all sectors for a call-to-action around an agenda to significantly increase Florida’s college degree attainment rate from 37% to 60% by the year 2025. Attendees will learn about state policy trends, Goal 2025, college access and success strategies, and an opportunity to contribute ideas on the best way to support local integrated approaches for improving college access and success for 21st century students. “This is the first time we are bringing together all of our national, state and local partners to discuss a strategy designed to spur local community action in Florida,” said Braulio Colón, Executive Director for Florida C.A.N.!. “If we want to position our state to succeed in the future, now is the time for all stakeholders to come together for the purpose of improving college and career readiness, access, and completion for all students,” said Colón. Click Here for the summit’s detailed agenda, featured speakers, sponsorship opportunities and hotel accommodations. Florida C.A.N! receives support from the Florida Department of Education, Helios Education Foundation, Lumina Foundation and the University of South Florida. |