Mission Statement  
Recognizing the importance of postsecondary education to the citizens, economy, and overall well being of Richland County, the University and College Access Network of Richland County will work to increase the numbers of Richland County citizens who both earn postsecondary degrees and maintain employment within Richland County.

Program Development  
The University and College Access Network of Richland County (U-CAN) was officially founded in September 2002 through the collaborative efforts of numerous community leaders and educators. With advisory support from the Ohio College Access Network (OCAN) along with planning and start-up funding from the KnowledgeWorks Foundation, U-CAN initially offered services to the community through local college fairs. U-CAN started its first in-school college access program at Mansfield Senior High School in the fall of 2003. Due to the success of this first program, U-CAN expanded in-school programming to the rural Crestview and Plymouth-Shiloh school districts in 2004. Also in 2004, U-CAN established a Last Dollar Scholarship Fund through community donations and a grant from the KnowledgeWorks Foundation. The first scholarship was awarded in 2005. Also in 2005, U-CAN opened a Walk-in Resource Center. The Resource Center serves adult learners as well as high school students and their parents by providing advisory services, informational materials and Internet access. U-CAN implemented in-school programming to three additional schools in 2006: Clear Fork High School, Madison High School and the Pioneer Career and Technology Center. U-CAN now operates in six of ten public school districts in Richland County, serving 67% of the Richland County students enrolled in public schools. In January of 2007, OCAN awarded U-CAN the Seal of Good Practice.

Program Services  
U-CAN currently provides the following services: 

• College selection, admission and financial aid advising to high school seniors at six high schools in Richland County
• Parental advising
• Assistance to high school and college students in researching scholarship opportunities
• An annual Last Dollar Scholarships based on need § Post high school tracking of student progress in postsecondary education through the National Student Clearinghouse § Early Awareness services to middle school students and parents
• A Walk-in Resource Center for students, parents and adult learners
  

U-CAN plans to provide the following services in the future:

• Additional access programming for high school Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors
• College selection, admission and financial aid advising to additional high schools in Richland County
• Annual renewable scholarships based on need and performance

Staff and Volunteers  
U-CAN has a very engaged and actively involved Advisory Board composed of Richland County’s business and municipal leaders, educators and social service administrators. U-CAN employs four part-time, in-school advisors and one part-time, Resource Center administrator/advisor.

For more information on the U-CAN Program, contact:

Mr. Larry Von Blon
Board President
University and College Access Network of Richland County (U-CAN)
890 W. 4th Street, Suite 100
Mansfield, Ohio 44906
Phone: 419-774-5520 Ext. 250
E-mail: ucan@moesc.k12.oh.us

College Access Program Map