McKenzie Snow, Director of Iowa Department of Education | Ballotpedia
The Iowa Department of Education has announced the allocation of nearly $258,000 in grants to five communities across the state. These funds will support Local College and Career Access Networks (LCANs) for the 2025-26 academic year. LCANs are designed to help communities meet specific educational goals by increasing postsecondary credential attainment.
"Leveraging purposeful partnerships, LCANs support students pursuing their unique pathways to postsecondary success through high school and beyond," said McKenzie Snow, Director of the Iowa Department of Education. "The Department continues to grow its partnerships with communities across Iowa, providing students what they need to meet high expectations, reach their goals, and realize their incredible potential."
The Bureau of Iowa College Aid provides technical assistance and professional development to these networks as they work to address educational gaps. This involves collaboration with local colleges, schools, employers, and community organizations. The focus is on closing education completion gaps for first-generation students and those from low-income families.
"We’re proud to continue supporting our existing LCANs and are excited to bring this impactful program to additional communities," said David Ford, Bureau Chief of Iowa College Aid. "LCANs help create localized strategies to support students in exploring diverse career and postsecondary pathways, ultimately strengthening communities across Iowa."
The grant series follows a four-year model with annual awards averaging over $50,000 for new grantees. Communities that have completed their four-year cycle can receive sustaining grants up to $30,000.
This year's recipients include two new initiatives: one in Columbus Junction and another in Des Moines. The Columbus Junction LCAN aims to provide summer math remediation and reduce financial barriers for advanced courses. Meanwhile, First to Finish in Des Moines focuses on supporting first-generation college students at five high schools within the district.
In addition to these new projects, several continuation and sustaining grants were awarded:
Year II: Attendance Matters is an LCAN targeting chronic absenteeism reduction in Northeast Iowa.
Year IV: Math Pathways to Success is a statewide initiative focused on improving mathematics transitions from high school to college.
Sustaining: Future Ready Perry aims at increasing postsecondary enrollment among Perry High School students.
Since 2015, more than $4 million has been invested in 23 communities throughout Iowa through LCANs.
More information about these initiatives can be found on the Department’s website.
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