Planning for Life After High School: Key Resources FAQ

If you’re wondering how you might navigate attaining your 4-year degree, you aren’t alone! The good news is that there are many organizations in Virginia that can help you before, during and after your academic work. The Virginia College Access Network (VirginiaCAN) serves as a “hub” for many programs in the state.

What is the Virginia College Network?

The mission of the Virginia College Access Network (https://www.virginiacan.org/) is to support and enhance post-secondary education access and attainment for residents of the Commonwealth of Virginia. VirginiaCAN supports access programs and fosters new initiatives; it develops information and financial resources for students and families; and it promotes the benefits of greater access to postsecondary education.

What does this mean for me as a student interested in transferring to a 4-year college?

As a network “hub,” VirginiaCAN provides information about getting into college and related financial resources for you and your family. It also promotes greater access to post-high school education. If you need financial assistance, there are many programs around Virginia that may be available to you in support of your continued studies.

What are some examples of these programs?

• Virginia 529: A 529 plan is a savings plan that helps families save for future qualified higher education expenses. Click https://www.virginia529.com/ for additional details.
• Grasp: This organization provides students and families in Virginia with information related to financial aid and scholarships for higher education. Click https://grasp4va.org/ for further information.
• TRIO: The Federal TRIO Programs serve and assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to postbaccalaureate programs. TRIO advisors are available on many college campuses throughout Virginia! https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/trio/index.html. 
• ECMC: Educational Credit Management Corporation and The College Place work to help people of all ages pursue opportunities for undergraduate education beyond high school. The College Place provides information, assistance, and encouragement to help individuals achieve their educational goals. Go to https://www.ecmc.org/borrowers/index.html for more information. Click on https://www.ecmc.org/students/documents/2020-2021-VA-Opps-Book.pdf to access a guide and workbook that will provide helpful information to you in your journey.  

An interactive map https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/kate.rolander/viz/1_Accessresourceneedandaccessproviders/1_Accessresourceneedandaccessgroupsprovidingservices shows programs available throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. You’re encouraged to reach out to your high school or local community college to learn more about the programs in your area.