Research for Action is partnering with the Florida College Access Network (FCAN), a state-level intermediary that works with local college access networks (LCANs) to increase the percentage of Florida adults with postsecondary degrees and workforce-relevant credentials. This 17-month project started in March of 2025 and includes the following goals:
- Provide FCAN with a landscape scan that will help them better understand college readiness initiatives in Florida and examples of initiatives nationally and shape FCAN’s new strategic priorities and goals.
- Conduct an assessment of FCAN’s college ready initiatives with an emphasis on Plan It Florida, understanding the efficiency and efficacy of tools and initiatives.
- Evaluate the resonance and early success of Talent Strong Florida, a campaign promoting the value of higher education and encouraging communities to work toward increased credential and degree attainment.
- Conduct community-engaged research with LCANs to understand perceptions, impact, and trends over time that will guide future strategies.
FCAN will use the evaluation findings to support strategic planning, refining their college readiness programs and communications to better align with the needs of providers, educators, local partners, students, and families.