Why Adult Learners? Presenting “Destination Graduation: The Benefits of Education for Employees, Employers and our Community”

The Central Florida College Access Network and Heart of Florida United Way are proud to present “The Benefits of Education for Employees, Employers and our Community” on March 13th at the GuideWell Innovation Center.  You’ve heard about the convening, but let’s look further into what supporting adult learners is really all about.

On March 13th business leaders, representatives from higher education, students, and philanthropists alike will convene to discuss how our community can support its adult learners. This event is a part of “RISE to 55”, the statewide campaign to raise the rate of postsecondary educational attainment to 55% by 2025, led by the Higher Education Coordinating Council in partnership with Lumina Foundation, Helios Foundation, CareerSource Florida and Florida College Access Network.

Although 65% of all jobs in the nation will require at least some postsecondary education by 2020, only 42% of adults will have an associate’s degree or higher (Helios Education Foundation). In an effort to close the gap and drive attainment in Central Florida, members of our community will meet to discuss ways in which they can support their own adult learners. What practices are working for businesses to support their employees? What do adult learners themselves need out of their community? How can we work together to achieve “RISE to 55” and beyond?

What do you want to learn from the Destination Graduation: The Benefits of Education for Employees, Employers and our Community convening? Tweet us @CentralFL_CAN

CFCAN and Heart of Florida United Way Recognize Employers Offering Education Benefits

Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW) and the Central Florida College Access Network (CFCAN) are looking to recognize local employers who are investing in talent development. 

Does your business or organization provide education benefits to employees looking to return to school to further their education?

Education benefits, such as tuition assistance, are a way to retain employees, attract new talent and enhance job mobility. CFCAN's goal is to help meet the demands of a growing workforce, of which 65% of the jobs will require high-quality degrees and credentials by 2020. Currently only 46% of our community fits that requirement. If your business or organization is doing something to help bridge this gap, HFUW and CFCAN want to know!

Nomination submissions are due by October 28th and the Top Companies for Adult Learners will be recognized in early 2017.

Questions? Contact us.

CFCAN Members Partner to Deliver Scholarships to Local DREAMers

Do you know an undocumented student or DACAmented student who wants to go to college?

Hope CommUnity Center and Seminole State College, both members of the Central Florida College Access Network, have a long-standing relationship. In 2012, Seminole State College began supporting undocumented students by covering tuition costs for a number of DACA students from Hope CommUnity Center. This scholarship cohort was expanded in 2014, and again in 2016. DREAMer students selected to receive this scholarship represent the goals, potential, and persistence of the next generation of Americans. Hope CommUnity Center welcomes students who want to study, but who also embrace cultural diversity, spiritual growth, and the fight for social justice. 

You can find more information about locally-awarded scholarships in Central Florida here.

Central Florida CAN's Common FAFSA Myths featured in WUCF video

There is over $150 billion in federal financial aid available each year to pay for college or career schools, but students have to fill out the FAFSA to get it. However, many students fail to complete the form because of common misconceptions about eligibility criteria.

Check out this new video from WUCF’s American Graduate initiative that features Central Florida College Access Network’s Top 10 FAFSA Myths! Can students be “too old” to get financial aid? Is the FAFSA too hard to fill out? Watch the video to get the answers, and then check out our downloadable guide for the complete list of FAFSA myths. 

Orlando Sentinel New Voices Column Features GradNation Panelist

Chanika Charles, a Valencia college student who was recently a student panelist at the Central Florida College Access Network's America's Promise GradNation Summit, has written a guest column for Orlando Sentinel's New Voices . In her column, she shares about her experience overcoming obstacles to achieve her educational goals and her role as a panelist at the Summit. You can view the column here.