What is UCAN?
In 2006 the Scioto Foundation board and staff were very interested in economic development. While gathering data and conducting research, they discovered the Kalamazoo Promise, a community scholarship program established by a group of anonymous donors pledging up to 100% financial support for Kalamazoo, MI public school graduate to attend college. The first of its kind, the Kalamazoo Promise was touted as a venture in economic development based on the rationale that if more students received postsecondary education, this new highly-educated community could spark renewed prosperity.
After hearing of the Kalamazoo Promise, the board and staff of the Scioto Foundation worked to establish a "promise" of its own. Our promise, University/College Access Network (UCAN), would not start with a billion dollars in donations. It would begin small and grow over time through the work of a "network" of dedicated individuals sharing a common vision, "One day every student our surrounding area will have the resources to attend the college of his or her choice". We hoped that small starts would build success.
UCAN SERVICES
UCAN was officially launched in 2008 as a program to help students plan, prepare and pay for college. The Scioto Foundation supplied the vision and initial funding, and the UCAN advisory committee comprised of all 12 school districts, the South Central Ohio ESC and Shawnee State University led the work effort.
Coming Soon
Centralized Scholarship Locator
The goal of the UCAN Scholarship Locator is to provide a consolidated website to serve as a one-stop location for high school and college students, parents and guidance counselors to search for scholarship opportunities through different criteria such as area of study, college/university, high school, national or those found on the scioto foundation application.
The scholarship information provided on this website is believed to be accurate. It is recommended that high school students contact his or her guidance counselor to verify scholarship application information.
Creating a College-ready Awareness Campaign
Every fall, Scioto Foundation hosts a meet and greet with over 40 college representatives at UCAN Go To College Night. During this event, students and parents have the opportunity to learn more about the programs offered by the school and the opportunity to ask questions. Besides college reps, this time also offers informational booths on ways a student can plan, prepare and pay for college. Those in the 8th grade or higher are encouraged to attending the event. UCAN Go To College Night is free and open to the public. Families are welcome.
Scioto Foundation also offers $1,000 mini-grants for ACT prep/AP testing, $1,000 mini-grants for college visits, and scholarships for UCAN and UCAN Neighbors teachers who look to complete an AP training course.
Establishing High School Endowment Funds
Scioto Foundation offers endowment opportunities for named funds, including scholarship funds.
Apply for a UCAN Internship or Become a Host Site
To be eligible for an UCAN Internship, students must indicate an interest in an internship on their most recent Scioto Foundation Scholarship application. Those who indicate an interest will receive an application in November with a deadline to apply at the end of the following January. A limited number of students will have the opportunity to participate in a five-week work environment at a local nonprofit organization or governmental agency.