FCAN Blog
In Gainesville, College Decision Day Is a Community Event. That’s the Point.
Gainesville is home to one of the largest universities in the country. For students without a family history of college, that proximity does not automatically translate into access. Nearly a quarter of Alachua County residents live below the poverty line, roughly...
Transforming Workforce Pathways: Tonia Shook Recognized as FCAN’s 2026 Workforce Education Innovator
At Fred K. Marchman Technical College in Pasco County, Director Tonia Shook has implemented innovative strategies that have expanded access to workforce training, strengthened career pathways, and built impactful community partnerships that support student success....
Building Pathways to Success: Anita Herrera Recognized as FCAN’s 2026 College Ready Florida Innovator
Anita Herrera’s leadership in FCAN’s statewide initiatives - Apply Yourself Florida, Florida FAFSA Challenge, College Decision Day, and Plan It Florida - has created a comprehensive support system that guides students and families from ninth grade through graduation....
Pasco and Hernando Counties Answer the Call at Talent Strong Breakfast
Last month, dozens of educators, employers, healthcare partners and community leaders gathered in Hernando County for the Talent Strong Pasco Hernando breakfast, a regional convening hosted by the Spark Pasco Hernando College Access Network and the Florida College...
Florida Is Growing. Are Students Keeping Pace?
Nearly 2 million people have moved to Florida since 2020. Over the past four years, the state has added more than 1.2 million jobs, the second-fastest growth rate in the country. Then you look at FAFSA completion rates. The Florida College Access Network’s new...
Three Days, One Mission: Highlights from the 2026 Talent Strong Florida Summit
Florida is the #1 state in the nation for year-over-year FAFSA completion improvement. Last week, the people who helped earn that ranking gathered in Tampa for the 2026 Talent Strong Florida Summit. Over three days, 350 summit attendees heard from national leaders,...
FCAN Announces 2025-26 Florida FAFSA Challenge Winners
The Florida College Access Network (FCAN) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2025-2026 Florida FAFSA Challenge, a statewide campaign aimed at increasing the number of high school seniors completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Through...
Why The Talent Strong Florida Summit Matters Now
More than 300 practitioners from K–12, colleges, nonprofits, workforce organizations, and philanthropy are gathering at the Talent Strong Florida Summit on May 6-8 in Tampa with a shared purpose: to close Florida’s attainment gap. The convening is designed to align...
2026 Florida Legislative Session Policy Recap
New laws would expand the Guardian Program, create advanced course incentives, standardize GPA calculations, and address workforce shortages. Florida's 2026 Legislative Session concluded on the 60th and final day without passage of the state budget. The House and...
Welcoming Two New Leaders to the FCAN Board of Advisors
Florida College Access Network (FCAN) is excited to announce the addition of two leaders to our Board of Advisors: Judith Fletcher and Dr. Christopher (Chris) M. Mullin. Both bring deep experience in philanthropy, education, and public policy, along with a shared...