National College Attainment Network

National College Attainment Network is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing postsecondary access and success, particularly for students from low-income backgrounds, first-generation college students, and students of color. It functions as a membership association and advocacy group, providing strategic support, data tools, and policy leadership to a network of community-based organizations, high schools, colleges, and state agencies. The organization's work centers on closing equity gaps in higher education attainment by strengthening the capacity of practitioners and influencing systemic change at local, state, and federal levels.

History and mission

The organization was established in 2010 through the merger of two long-standing groups: the National College Access Network, founded in 1995, and the National College Access Program Directory. This consolidation aimed to create a more unified and powerful voice for the college access and success field. Its founding was supported by major philanthropic entities like the Lumina Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The core mission is to build, strengthen, and empower communities and individuals to dismantle systemic barriers to postsecondary attainment, thereby advancing economic mobility and racial equity. This mission is pursued through a multi-pronged strategy that includes direct support for practitioners, rigorous data analysis, and nonpartisan advocacy aimed at institutions like the United States Department of Education and the United States Congress.

Programs and initiatives

Key programs include the annual national conference, which convenes thousands of professionals from organizations like College Advising Corps and GEAR UP programs. The organization provides critical data tools, such as the National Student Clearinghouse-based dashboards, which allow members to track student outcomes from high school through college completion. A major initiative is the advocacy for simplifying the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and protecting federal aid programs like Pell Grants. It also runs specialized training and technical assistance programs, including the "FAFSA Completion Challenge" and initiatives focused on supporting specific populations, such as students attending Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) or Hispanic-serving institutions. Collaborative projects often involve partners like American Council on Education and Institute for Higher Education Policy.

Member organizations and partnerships

The network comprises over 500 member organizations across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and several United States territories. Members include community-based college access programs like College Possible and uAspire, large school districts such as Chicago Public Schools, statewide entities like the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, and numerous public and private colleges. Strategic partnerships extend its reach and influence; it collaborates with research organizations like the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, advocacy coalitions including the Committee for Education Funding, and corporate partners like Strada Education Network. These alliances are crucial for sharing best practices, amplifying policy messages, and securing resources for the field.

Impact and outcomes

The organization's impact is measured through the collective outcomes of its member organizations and its influence on national policy. It has been instrumental in advocacy efforts leading to FAFSA simplification legislation passed by the 117th United States Congress. Members collectively support millions of students annually, with data showing that students served by network members enroll in and persist through postsecondary education at higher rates than national averages for similar demographics. Its research and publications, such as annual reports on FAFSA completion trends, are cited by media outlets like The Hechinger Report and inform the work of state agencies from the Texas Education Agency to the California Department of Education.

Leadership and funding

The organization is governed by a board of directors comprising leaders from member organizations, philanthropy, and higher education. Day-to-day operations are led by a president and CEO, with staff based primarily in Arlington County, Virginia. Funding is derived from a diversified mix of membership dues, grants from major foundations including the Kresge Foundation and the Carnegie Corporation of New York, federal contracts, and revenue from events and services. This financial model supports its advocacy, research, and capacity-building activities without relying on any single source, ensuring stability and alignment with its mission-driven goals.

Category:Educational organizations based in Virginia Category:Non-profit organizations based in the United States Category:Higher education in the United States