As the end of the calendar year approaches, we want to celebrate the work of Iowa’s LCAN program over the last 12 months. This year included its fair share of challenges, but LCAN networks also came together to advocate for students and communities.

FAFSA completion for the class of 2024 was a particularly trying cycle. Still, Iowa’s completion rate nearly equaled that of the previous year. Additionally, the Bureau of Iowa College Aid staff are working to launch an updated FAFSA tracker for Iowa, which will include LCAN-specific FAFSA data. More to come on this development and when you can expect to view the LCAN-specific FAFSA updates.

We also want to salute the work of the newest Iowa LCAN, Attendance Matters. This initiative addresses chronic absenteeism among students of color and low socio-economic status in Allamakee, Clayton, Dubuque and Jackson counties. Attendance Matters benefits from an existing, collective impact-focused infrastructure established by the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque. Its work will benefit students and families in Northeast Iowa and may serve as a model for other Iowa communities seeking to address chronic absenteeism.

The established Iowa LCANs also continue to provide crucial college- and career-going supports in their areas of focus, including:

• Reducing the impact of math as a barrier to postsecondary access and persistence.
• Supporting college attainment for students in Perry, Muscatine, Black Hawk and Story counties
• Reducing barriers to postsecondary attainment for systems-involved and foster care students, Latino students, and Black and Brown males in the Des Moines metro.

We were fortunate to welcome a number of partners from Iowa LCANs to the Fall 2024 meeting held at the DMACC Des Moines/Urban Campus on Tuesday, Oct. 8. More than 30 LCAN staff, partners and community members attended the gathering.

We would like to take the opportunity to say a few thank yous:

• Thank you to Will Thomas and Wesley Harris, both leaders of the Brother to Brother LCAN in Des Moines, for connecting us with the space and providing support before, during and after the meeting.
• Thank you to Tony Wilson for his insightful presentation on meeting facilitation and creating sanctuary.
• Thank you to Erin Lee Schneider, DMACC Dean of Student Success & Urban Student Services, for taking the time to welcome us for the day.
• Thank you to DMACC for providing the space and technology access free of charge for the day!

As we look ahead to 2025, we look forward to the continuation of the partnerships, goals, and support that have come to define the work of Iowa LCANs.

Finally, as always, please do not hesitate to reach out to us with questions or concerns. Take good care, and have a safe and happy holiday season.

Anne Thomas & Megan Sibbel

The FY2026 grant application season is on the horizon.

Returning grantees will follow a grant renewal process for FY26. More information will be provided regarding the logistics of this process.

For new LCANs, the Bureau of Iowa College Aid will be accepting grant proposals through Iowagrants.gov from January 28 through February 28, 2025, for grants beginning July 1, 2025.

The FY2026 grant calendar is available here.

Lunch & Learn Opportunities for Youth Service Providers & Educators
The OPT-in College Access Network for System-Involved Youth is hosting a series of Lunch & Learn webinars focused on a variety of student supports. The next event will take place Jan. 14th and is framed around Youth Advocacy. Registration and more information is available here.

Math Pathways Regional Events and Kick-Off Meeting
Math Pathways/IHEMTAC has been busy facilitating regional events around the state this fall. These events center around creating better math transitions for students as they move from high school into postsecondary education, to ensure postsecondary success.

Fall events included:

• Sept. 21 - Regional meeting with high school teachers, administrators, counselors and college/university faculty at Dordt University
• Sept. 25 - Academic year Kick-off meeting for all members of Math Pathways/IHEMTAC
• Nov. 4 - Regional meeting with high school teachers, administrators, counselors and college/university faculty at Kirkwood Community College
• Nov. 13 - Regional meeting with high school teachers, administrators, counselors and college/university faculty at UNI
• Nov. 21 - Regional meeting with high school teachers, administrators, counselors and college/university faculty at Loras College

Math Pathways will hold a series of similar regional events in the spring.

Collective Impact Forum
The Collective Impact Forum routinely offers training and professional development, in addition to their annual conference. Visit the Collective Impact Forum's website for upcoming sessions and registration.

The Rural Summit for Cradle to Career Success
The Partners for Rural Impact 2025 Rural Summit: From Cradle to Career will take place April 27-30, 2025 at the Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center in Anchorage, Alaska.

The Rural Summit brings together dedicated rural leaders who share a commitment to advancing the futures of rural children, families and communities. Join educators, community leaders, higher education leaders, elected officials, workforce professionals, philanthropic leaders and rural residents as we exchange innovative ideas and effective strategies to ensure that every rural youth is on the path to upward mobility from birth to career. Registration and additional information is available here.