Florida College Access Network and Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation partner to support collaborative efforts at public high schools to improve college-going rates.
Florida College Access Network (FCAN), in partnership with the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation, is excited to announce a new partnership supporting innovative projects designed to increase college enrollment rates among underrepresented students throughout Florida. The “Post-High School College Enrollment Innovation” project will target lower-income students in the graduating classes of 2025 and 2026 in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Sarasota, and Ft. Myers.
As part of this initiative, select local college access networks (LCANs) serving communities showing the highest need for intervention will receive grants of up to $50,000, totaling a $600,000 investment in Florida over two years. These funds will help develop tailored, data-driven solutions to increase year-over-year college enrollment rates, particularly among underrepresented groups. Additionally, select LCANs will receive technical support to help implement strategies that break down systemic barriers to college access.
“Students need to feel they can achieve their college dreams. Our goal is to equip students with the essential support services they need to pursue education beyond high school confidently,” said Braulio Colón. “While Florida is on track to achieve its 60% attainment goal, our focus remains on enhancing college access to ensure every student is college ready.”
Currently, Florida ranks 29th nationally in its rate of high school graduates pursuing education after school, and low-income students are being left behind, lagging nearly 11% behind their peers. The projects supported by this partnership will strengthen support services to better prepare these students for college and careers through evidence-based approaches.
The partnership between FCAN and the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation marks a significant step forward in addressing educational inequities in Florida. The project will directly impact over 5,000 students and benefit more than 20,000 statewide.
“Together, we are building a future where every student, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to achieve their full potential and contribute to the prosperity of their community and the state of Florida as a whole,” Colón said.