Our news blog offers the most relevant information available, including articles, events, and recent changes.
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The Surest Path towards Economic Mobility
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…
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Summer College Advising Help is Here!
This summer the KCCAN team is partnering with KCPS and KC Public Library to help Kansas City area students make a successful transition from high school to college! We’ll be in person for drop-in or appointment advising at the KC Public Library – Plaza Branch on Mondays and Wednesdays in June, as well as available…
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Summer Updates and Preparing to Apply for Scholarships
Preparing for the New My Scholarship Central Experience As scholarship season begins winding down, we want to share several important updates with students, families, and partners as we prepare for an exciting transition this summer. My Scholarship Central Is Moving to a New Platform Over the summer, My Scholarship Central will transition to a new scholarship management…
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Big News + Summer Scholarship Opportunities Still Available
As we move into May, we have an exciting update to share — along with important reminders for students still seeking scholarship opportunities. A New My Scholarship Central Platform Is Coming We’re excited to announce that My Scholarship Central will be transitioning to a new platform in August–September of this year. This transition is designed to improve the overall experience…
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Scholarship Opportunities Closing Soon – March & April Deadlines
Many scholarship deadlines are approaching at the end of March, and students should begin submitting applications now. In fact, 18 scholarships available through My Scholarship Central close on March 31, making this an important time to log in, review opportunities, and complete applications. Scholarships can significantly reduce the cost of college by helping cover tuition, books, and other education-related expenses. Whether you are a…
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Scholarships for Unique Journeys, Career Pathways, and Missouri Seniors
It’s scholarship season! My Scholarship Central currently has over $100,000 in available scholarship funding available for students. If you are navigating a major life circumstance, pursuing a skilled trade or technical program, or you are a Missouri senior planning for college, there are opportunities open right now that may fit your situation. Below are scholarships currently open in three categories. Special Circumstances…
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New Strategic Plan Unveiled to Transform College Access and Success in Kansas City
Plan aims to boost economic mobility by increasing college attainment by 10 percentage points by 2030 KANSAS CITY – A bold new strategic plan released today aims to dramatically improve college and career outcomes for Kansas City-area students – citing data showing that only 13% of students from low-income schools will earn a college degree.…
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MOCAN Career Pathway Maps Simplify Career Advising
MOCAN is pleased to partner with rootEd Missouri to develop tools to support counselors advising students in non-degree pathways after high school. MOCAN has created Career Pathway Maps that walk students and families through education and training options after high school in 20 high-demand career pathways. Access interactive versions of the Career Pathways Maps…
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Kansas City Community Launches Bold Strategic Plan
On December 3, the Kansas City College and Career Attainment Network (KCCAN) officially unveiled its Community Strategic Plan at the KCCAN Community Summit. This plan represents a shared roadmap to increase postsecondary attainment and economic mobility across the Kansas City metro. KCCAN’s goal is ambitious: raise postsecondary attainment rates among students from Kansas City’s low-income…
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Spring 2026 PDI Workshops!
Join us for Professional Development Institute workshops so your students finish the year strong! All PDI workshops are free to attend and designed for professionals advising students on postsecondary plans after high school. Register on MOCAN Events page. Virtual workshops: January 15 at 10 AM – Eligibility Policies for College-Bound Student Athletes (virtual)As a follow…
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Brotherhood Leadership Academy Launches
In December, MOCAN held the first official session of the MOCAN/PEN St. Louis Brotherhood Leadership Academy, and we had a full house! This 10-session program, running through June 2027, is designed to elevate the professional trajectory of diverse men in the field. The Academy is the result of a year-long conversation on “How do we…
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Building Better Outcomes with Postsecondary Data: A New Playbook for Districts
Good intentions are necessary but not sufficient for moving the needle on postsecondary readiness and success in K-12 districts and schools. There are many conditions that should be present in a system to effectively deliver advising and help every student find their next, best step after high school graduation. Data, when it’s used well, is one of the…
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Opening Doors: Strategies to Support Undocumented Students’ Success
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…
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Voices of Gen Z
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: Students need more support in: …
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Higher Education = Higher Earnings
How do we make postsecondary education more affordable for Missouri students? In February, MOCAN convened colleagues in its Network of Networks to develop priorities for increasing affordability for Missouri students. This month we are convening school counselors, college/career advisers, higher education professionals, scholarship providers, and partners to talk about affordability and share our draft plan.…
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The Power of State Networks
Listen to MOCAN Executive Director Laura Winter speak on the power of state networks for the Lumina Foundation podcast, “Today’s Students, Tomorrow’s Talent”. Other guests include colleagues from Michigan College Access Network and Alabama Possible. Laura shares MOCAN’s equity-minded strategy for increasing postsecondary credential completion. Listen to “Today’s Students, Tomorrow’s Talent” podcast. Talent Hub’s Director,…
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