College access group finds new home at foundation

VENICE — The Education Foundation of Sarasota County will assume coordination of Sarasota County’s Local College Access Network, or LCAN, taking the reins from the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.

The LCAN is a group of education and youth services organizations and funders focused on increasing the rate of students who "pursue a purposeful postsecondary pathway, particularly among those historically underrepresented in higher education," according to a press release. 

The LCAN hosts Free Application for Federal Student Aid workshops and is involved in activities that elevate awareness of potential jobs, ACT/SAT test preparation and college and career explorations.

“Our long-term vision is an integrated approach to education that blends college and career preparation with 21st century cognitive skills,” says Education Foundation of Sarasota County President Jennifer Vigne in the statement. "With many of the LCAN’s strategies and objectives already embedded in our work, it makes perfect sense for Education Foundation of Sarasota County to serve as the backbone organization for all of the incredible collaborative work being done by the LCAN’s partners.”

Support for the LCAN comes from the Gulf Coast Community Foundation; Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation; and Community Foundation of Sarasota County, with matching funds from the Florida Philanthropic Network through its College Access & Success Initiative, which is supported by the Helios Education Foundation and The Kresge Foundation.

The Education Foundation of Sarasota County is an independent partner working to advance philanthropic support for Sarasota County Schools.