The Ohio College Access Network (OCAN) is a network of college access programs that operate as nonprofit organizations designed to increase the number of students who pursue education beyond high school. The mission of these organizations it to open the doors to postsecondary education by providing financial counseling, last dollar scholarships, college visits, career guidance, tutoring and test preparation courses.

There are many ways a college access program can help its community and students become successful in their pursuit of a college education. Leadership in each community develops the basic services that will be provided by local access programs. These services to students and their families may include:

Financial Aid Advising
Provide trained advisors for personal and confidential advising services to high school students and their families, supplementing the financial aid information provided by school guidance staffs and maximizing each student's financial aid opportunities.

College Resource Center
Maintain a centralized location for community members to research higher education opportunities. Trained staff offer assistance in identifying colleges and programs that match a student's interests; search for financial aid; offer a step-by-step procedure through the admissions and financial aid process.

"Last-Dollar" Grants
Award need-based grants to high school students who are pursuing postsecondary education.

Early Awareness Activities
Offer opportunities for elementary, middle and high school students and their parents to be made aware of and plan for postsecondary education.

Parental Advising
Assist parents in preparing for their children's postsecondary education through educational activities, workplace visits, and one-to-one advising.

College Applications and Related Paperwork Advising
Provide trained advisors to high school students and their parents regarding all aspects of the transition from high school to postsecondary education.

Career Advising
Offer students of all ages exposure to a range of postsecondary educational and career opportunities.

Mentors
Coordinate mentors to work one-on-one with students, serving as academic coaches, providing emotional and social support, encouraging productive academic efforts, and serving as positive role models.

Peer Tutors
Coordinate student tutors to aid students who need academic assistance.

Community Workshops
Offer workshops at various sites in the community to assist families regarding early awareness of college planning, financial aid services, and meeting other requirements to prepare for a postsecondary education.

Services to College Students
Support a network of college access program representatives on campus whose job it is to help students make the transition from high school to college.

Adult Learning Advising
Advise and counsel adult learners who did not begin higher education immediately after high school, but wish to return to school now.

Administration of Local Scholarships for Other Organizations
Manage scholarship programs for outside agencies or corporations. Management may include publicizing the program, reviewing applicants, and selecting recipients.