MOCAN – Missouri College & Career Attainment Network

Increasing opportunity in college and career for Missouri students

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The Surest Path towards Economic Mobility

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Postsecondary Education Is a Game Changer

When it comes to economic mobility, few experiences rival the impact of earning a college degree. Among 28 different pathways to upward mobility, a postsecondary education stands out for its ability to transform lives, boosting lifetime income by an average of 39%.

For first-generation college students, the effect is even more profound. A degree doesn’t just change the trajectory of one individual, it reshapes the expectations and opportunities for entire families. It sends a powerful message: postsecondary education is possible, and it’s within reach.

Communities benefit too. In Missouri, each additional college graduate contributes $11,832 to the state’s GDP and helps create 5.6 support jobs. That’s a strong return on investment not just for the student, but for the state as a whole.

Working together across our network, we can reduce the barriers of access, affordability and completion and open pathways to brighter futures for more Missourians.

Opening Doors: Strategies to Support Undocumented Students’ Success

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By Matthew Odam, Communications Manager, National College Attainment Network (NCAN)

As the National College Attainment Network (NCAN) has extensively covered, undocumented students in the United States continue to face increasingly daunting challenges accessing and attaining a postsecondary education. A session at NCAN’s 2025 National Conference in New Orleans, LA, explored career pathways and advocacy strategies for this vulnerable population many of our members serve.

In the packed room (a clear indication of the timeliness of the topic), presenters Nicole Wesley, Senior Program Manager at TheDream.US, and Ann Schnuer, Senior Director of Career Success at 10,000 Degrees, began by setting the tone for their presentation. “Regardless of status, any student is deserving of the opportunity to access a college education,” said Wesley. 

The session highlighted both the current policy landscape and practical strategies institutions and organizations can use to support undocumented students. According to data shared in the presentation, approximately 98,000 undocumented students graduate from US high schools each year, with more than 427,000 enrolled in colleges across the country. The diversity of this community spans Latino/a, Black, Asian/Pacific Islander, and European backgrounds, but regardless of origin, these students face systemic barriers to pursuing higher education and meaningful careers.

Navigating Shifting Policy Terrain

Wesley and Schnuer underscored that the legal and political environment for undocumented students is changing rapidly. While Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) remains in legal limbo, recent rulings allow current recipients to renew but bar new applications. Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is also in flux, with terminations announced in 2025 for several countries, including Nepal, Afghanistan, and Venezuela. Meanwhile, states like Florida and Texas have repealed in-state tuition for undocumented students, creating new financial barriers.

Career Pathways Beyond Work Authorization

Despite these challenges, presenters emphasized that undocumented students have multiple ways to build careers and income streams. Strategies include:

  • Independent contracting and freelancing using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
  • Entrepreneurship and worker cooperatives, with resources available through Immigrants Rising and TheDream.US.
  • Non-employment-based opportunities (NEBOs) such as fellowships and micro-internships that provide stipends and skills-building without requiring work authorization.

TheDream.US’s Opportunities Directory and Career Connections hub, along with 10,000 Degrees’ entrepreneurship resources, were highlighted as practical tools for both students and advisors.

Building a Culture of Support

Institutional culture matters as much as policy. The presenters urged campuses and organizations to:

  • Create task forces to monitor evolving policies and share resources.
  • Develop and train staff on protocols for supporting undocumented students, including preparing for possible interactions with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
  • Partner with pro bono legal organizations to connect students with immigration attorneys.
  • Center students’ long-term career development, reinforcing the importance of degree completion and inclusive opportunities.
Taking Action

The session closed with a call to action: stay connected with immigrant rights organizations, follow policy updates, and create inclusive programs that open doors for undocumented students. For more resources, visit TheDream.US and 10,000 Degrees.

Dislcaimer: Information provided in this article is not legal advice.

Voices of Gen Z

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Gallup, with support from the Walton Family Foundation, has released a series of reports that offer a deeper understanding of Generation Z – today’s middle and high school students. These findings are insightful for anyone working to guide students toward successful postsecondary pathways.

Key Takeaways for College and Career Advisors: 

  • Hopeful but Feeling Unprepared: While 79% of Gen Z believe they have a bright future, only about half feel prepared to achieve it. 
  • What Matters Most: Gen Z values happiness, financial stability, and strong personal relationships  more than wealth or status. 
  • Information Gaps: Many students say they lack access to the guidance and experiences needed to explore postsecondary options, especially non-four-year pathways.

Students need more support in: 

  • Understanding  financial aid 
  • Exploring career pathways and connecting to work-based learning opportunities
  • Building a professional network 

These insights reinforce the importance of early, personalized postsecondary advising. MOCAN’s Professional Development Institute workshops can help!