To equip Floridians with the skills needed for tomorrow’s jobs, communities throughout Florida are collaborating across sectors in forming Local College Access Networks (LCANs).
These collaborative networks are committed to increasing college and career readiness, access, and completion rates for students within their communities who are outside the mold of the traditional college student, such as low-income students, adult learners, and those who are the first in their families to attend college.
WHY this matters:
The most powerful indicator of economic development and healthy communities is the number of adults with a high-quality postsecondary credential.” -Florida Higher Education Coordinating Council, 2016 Annual Report
Increasing educational achievement beyond high school—especially for low-income students, adult learners, and other students outside the mold of the “traditional” college student—holds the greatest promise for expanding economic prosperity for all Floridians and building the talent pool needed to fuel Florida’s dynamic economy.
Labor economists predict that more than 60% of jobs will require a degree or credential beyond high school by 2030. As of 2025, 55% of working-age (ages 25-64) Floridians hold such a credential (Source). In Escambia County, we’re at 41% (Source).
Florida employers are already struggling to find qualified candidates. Unless we act now, Florida will fall short of filling its talent needs.
LCAN members work together to better coordinate and leverage resources that lower the barriers preventing students from completing their education beyond high school.
- Goals & Objectives:
- Every student achieves high school graduation with a plan for their future.
- State of Florida’s SAIL to 60 goal: At least 60% of Florida adults will hold degrees and workforce-relevant credentials by 2030.
- Key Initiatives: Career exploration, FAFSA Completion, and Post-Secondary Enrollment
- Next meeting: Wednesday 6/25/2025 4 – 5 PM in the Achieve Escambia classroom on Pensacola State College campus (1000 College Blvd. Building 26 Room 191).