The Portage County College Access Network was conceived in 2006 by a group of community organizations to begin the establishment of a community-wide program designed to provide information and assistance to Portage County students so that they can continue their education beyond high school. Portage County is located in northeastern Ohio between Cleveland, Akron and Youngstown, has a population of approximately 152,000 and is one of the larger counties in Ohio in terms of geographic area. The county can be described as a predominantly rural area interspersed with small cities and suburban areas linked to much larger metropolitan areas (Akron and Cleveland). Based on existing data, nearly 75% of Portage County adults do not attend college; given the need for Ohio communities to develop an educated and skilled work force based on 21st Century business needs, participation in higher education is critical and the lack of education is a significant barrier to economic self sufficiency.
The Portage County College Access Network (PCCAN) was the recipient of a planning grant from the Ohio College Access Network in 2007 and is a partnership of local organizations and schools. The primary partners in the development of the project are Kent State University, College of Undergraduate Studies, Ravenna City School District, Kent City School District, and the Community Action Council of Portage County, Inc. The latter organization is a 501©(3) community action agency, and will act as the fiscal agent for the project. The organization has applied for start-up funding for 2008.
The mission of the Portage County College Access Network (PCCAN) is to foster a culture within the county to support current educational endeavors that facilitate graduation from high school and transition to postsecondary education including four-year colleges or universities, 2-year colleges, trade schools,2-year technical schools, and other licensed schools and training entities. Initial efforts will concentrate on the Ravenna and Kent City School Districts, with eventual participation of other districts throughout the county. The goals of the network include:
- Increase the number of students who aspire to, prepare for, participate in, and succeed in postsecondary education;
- To Increase understanding of the importance of high school for future college/career success; Assist students and their families in overcoming barriers and obstacles in seeking to continue the educational process beyond high school; and
- To provide a variety of activities and services to students and their families including but not limited to early awareness activities commencing in middle school, parent advising, understanding the college-going process, financial aid and scholarship search, and limited in-county scholarships.
For more information on the Portage County College Access Network, please contact:
Ms. Geraldine Hayes-Nelson
Associate Dean, Undergraduate StudiesPre College and Trio Programs
Kent State University
330-672-2920
e-mail: ghnelson@kent.edu
David B. Shea
Executive Director
Community Action Council of Portage County3
30-297-1456 Extension 224
e-mail: dshea@cacportage.net
http://www.cacportage.net/