Washington College Access Network (WCAN)
CSF staff lead the Washington College Access Network (WCAN) to raise awareness of the College Bound Scholarship and to increase FAFSA/WASFA completion rates. We provide training, tools, resources and technical assistance to school staff and community-based practitioners tailored to fit each individual school, district and community.
We give counselors and school staff the tools and information they need to promote a college-going culture and provide their students with access to all financial aid opportunities.
WCAN is led in partnership with the OSPI.
College is postsecondary education
WCAN uses the term “college” to refer to the attainment of valuable postsecondary credentials beyond high school, including professional/technical certificates and academic degrees.
It’s not just a handout – it’s a conversation starter for a student’s future
70% of living wage jobs in Washington state will require some postsecondary education or credential, but only 40% of young people have one.
We know that the information you provide to students about postsecondary education options is one really important step in setting students up for success. That’s why we developed these materials to help you promote thinking about post-high school planning and provide a way to continue the conversation at home with families.
Here, you will find downloadable materials that were designed FOR students in collaboration with educators from around the state. Our process of developing materials are centered on 2 principles:
- Clear communication: we use straightforward terms, always define jargon, and aim to design and distribute materials in a way that resonates with students.
- Accurate Information: we work in collaboration with other organizations (such as WSAC and OSPI) to ensure that information in our materials are correct and align to policies and guidelines for our state.
The College and Career Knowledge Project
The College and Career Knowledge project begun when a team of organizations conducted student focus groups across the state to determine ways to support College Bound Scholarship students in high school. Focus groups and surveys with over 800 primarily College Bound Scholarship students from urban, suburban, and rural communities found that the College Bound Scholarship and the steps to prepare for college are not well understood.
As a solution, the College and Career Knowledge project emerged: a comprehensive college and career readiness booklet that encompass six chapter topics: All About College & Career, College Bound Scholarship, Paying for College, Washington State Aid, Applying for College, and Enrolling in College. Each chapter tackles a specific subtopic and can be used flexibly as an additional student resource to compliment your programming.
You can view and download:
Additionally, many of these handouts will also be appropriate for students in middle school. All digital handouts will be available in 2024 in the top 7 languages spoken at home by students: English, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Vietnamese, Ukrainian and Arabic.
Terms of Use
This content and its components are offered for informational purposes. By accessing and using these resources, we are asking that you refrain from:
- Editing documents
- Reproducing documents for commercial use or use outside of its intended purposes
- Use of documents for monetary purposes
- Use of documents for unlawful purposes or promotion of illegal activities
- Modifying documents to provide false or inaccurate information
Some of these materials may contain links to third party websites as well as content or items belonging to or originating from third parties. These links are provided as a courtesy and we have no control over content or information on those sites. Please contact us if you or your organization have any usage questions at info@wcan.org.
The College Knowledge Team
This work is made possible due to the generous time, effort and contribution across several organizations:
- OSPI
- Community Center for Education Results
- Puget Sound College & Career Network
- College Success Foundation
- Washington Student Achievement Council
- Scholar Fund
- Puget Sound ESD
- Highline Public Schools
Additionally, practitioners, and educators across Washington reviewed and provided expert feedback on all content and design elements.
Complete College and Career Knowledge Book
Materials in Russian, Somali, Vietnamese, Ukrainian and Arabic coming soon!
College and Career Knowledge by Grade
These packets come with a grade level specific month by month timeline and corresponding digital handouts.
9th and 10th Grade Packet
11th Grade Packet
12th Grade Packet
Materials in Russian, Somali, Spanish, Vietnamese, Ukrainian and Arabic coming soon!
College and Career Knowledge by Chapter
This set of digital handouts are grouped together by chapter theme.
Chapter 1: All About College and Career
Chapter 2: Getting Ready
Chapter 3: The College Bound Scholarship
Chapter 4: Paying for College
Chapter 5: Paying for College
Chapter 6: Enrolling in College
Chapter 7: Glossary
Materials in Russian, Somali, Vietnamese, Ukrainian and Arabic coming soon!
College Bound is a tool for students to begin thinking about college early.
Washington State ranks #1 in need based financial aid, with the College Bound program being a unique state financial aid program designed to encourage and inspire to prepare for their post-secondary pathways early on. Through the state’s early commitment of financial aid, students can begin dreaming of their futures early on.
The Create Your Future with College Bound Project
The Create Your Future with College Bound materials were designed as tools for students to continue pondering what kind of future they want to create for themselves. In addition to paying for college, there are many considerations students should make when deciding their path ahead. As students are being auto enrolled into the College Bound program, the Create Your Future with College Bound materials are designed to help students learn about College Bound and start thinking of their journey ahead.
The Create Your Future with College Bound materials is part of a collaborative project between the Washington College Access Network team at College Success Foundation and the Washington State Achievement Council to provide materials to practitioners to help increase both College Bound awareness and post-secondary mindsets.
These materials each cover a different topic that is essential to post-secondary preparation. The materials are activities that cover the following topics: College Bound 101, Explore Your Career Road Map, Find a Good Fit for You, Goal Setting and Scholarships. Each activity includes educator notes for facillitation and student activity worksheets to compliment your college and career readiness programming.
You can view and download:
Terms of Use
This content and its components are offered for informational purposes. By accessing and using these resources, we are asking that you refrain from:
- Editing documents
- Reproducing documents for commercial use or use outside of its intended purposes
- Use of documents for monetary purposes
- Use of documents for unlawful purposes or promotion of illegal activities
- Modifying documents to provide false or inaccurate information
Some of these materials may contain links to third party websites as well as content or items belonging to or originating from third parties. These links are provided as a courtesy and we have no control over content or information on those sites. Please contact us if you or your organization have any usage questions at info@wcan.org.
Create Your Future with College Bound Student Materials
These student-facing activities are designed for you to integrate into your college and career readiness programming. Download and print out these materials to have students begin creating their futures!
Create Your Future with College Bound Educator Materials
These educator materials are prefaced with educator notes with complimentary materials, discussion questions and facilitation notes to assist you in your college and career readiness programming. Following the educator notes are the student materials. Print out these educator materials for you both and your students!
Get involved
YOU are the key to our success. Help your students see their potential and own their future by collaborating with staff and community members to support them on their journey.
- College Bound Scholarship: We increase postsecondary success for students in Washington state by providing training, workshops and professional development for counselors, college access professionals, and all types of student advocates.
- FAFSA/WASFA Completion: A coordinated statewide effort to boost college application and financial aid application rates in Washington.
Our goal
Build a culture where students pursue a postsecondary education and become valuable, contributing members of the community.
Our method
Regularly provide exciting programmatic activities or events that empower students to ask questions about postsecondary options, encourage them to talk about their future and educate them about the opportunities that a college education can provide.
Marketing Materials for Financial Aid Completion Events
These marketing materials are to help you promote your financial aid completion events. Please utilize the following school-agnostic templates to promote FAFSA completion efforts in your schools. Add your school logo, color and event details to customize the templates below.
- Flyer
-
- English | Spanish | Vietnamese | Russian
- Presentation
-
- English | Spanish | Vietnamese | Russian
- Social media post
-
- English | Spanish | Vietnamese | Russian
- Social media story
-
- English | Spanish | Vietnamese | Russian
- Postcard
-
- English | Spanish | Vietnamese | Russian
Email Templates
We know there is a quick turnaround from getting data in the WSAC FAFSA portal and the end of the year. Feel free to use these email templates when reaching out to seniors about where they’re at in the process.
- Email templates:
-
- English | Spanish | Vietnamese | Russian
Meet the WCAN Team!
College Bound Regional Officers (CBROs) provide financial aid training, technical assistance, and support campaigns to increase awareness of the College Bound Scholarship and help students complete their financial aid applications. If you need support in any of these areas, find out who your CBRO is below!
For general inquires about WCAN, please contact: info@wcan.org
CRBO coverage map
 |
Cennady Coleman
|
|
 |
Amber Goodrich
|
|
 |
Raul Sanchez
|
|
 |
Melissa Pico
|
|
 |
Bre Olason
|