Florida College Access Network

Earlier this month at the Talent Strong Florida summit, FCAN recognized Anita Herrera as the 2026 College Ready Florida Innovator.

Serving as Assistant Director of Tutor Corps, High School at the Guadalupe Center, her commitment to college and career readiness and leadership in FCAN’s statewide initiatives has created a comprehensive support system that guides students from ninth grade through graduation.

Read more about how her work transforms the lives of students and families by expanding opportunities and creating a strong college-going culture: https://floridacollegeaccess.org/initiatives/building-pathways-to-success-anita-herrera-recognized-as-fcans-2026-college-ready-florida-innovator/

Last month, dozens of educators, employers, healthcare partners and community leaders gathered in Hernando County for Talent Strong Pasco Hernando, a regional convening hosted by the Spark Pasco Hernando College Access Network and FCAN with support from Helios Education Foundation.

At the event, attendees learned how the region’s postsecondary enrollment rate is 48%, but a 10% increase in college enrollment could generate $131 million in fiscal value and $304 million in social value for the Spark region annually.

This event was part of Talent Strong Florida, a statewide campaign to help Florida reach 60% postsecondary attainment by 2030.

Read more: https://floridacollegeaccess.org/news/pasco-and-hernando-counties-answer-the-call-at-talent-strong-breakfast/

"I was a freshman and a junior at the same time." That line from a Florida university student gets at something a new report from Helios Education Foundation and FSU Anne's College set out to examine: what students who accelerate in high school experience once they get to college.

The findings confirm real benefits to pathways like dual enrollment, AP, IB and AICE: lower costs, faster time to degree, strong academic preparation. They also point to opportunities for institutions to better support students who arrive with significant prior credit: stronger advising, earlier engagement with career and campus resources, and systems designed for students whose academic standing doesn't always match their developmental stage.

As more Florida students take advantage of accelerated pathways, the question is how institutions can make sure the advantages translate into the best possible college experience. Read more at link below.

A Freshman and a Junior at the Same Time | Helios Education Foundation “A Freshman and a Junior at the Same Time” examines how accelerated students experience college differently.

FCAN celebrates Representative Chip LaMarca, House District 100, for achieving the highest FAFSA completions among all FL House Districts!

More than half (66%) of District 100 students completed applications for federal student aid. Congratulations to these students on taking their next step toward postsecondary plans!



Bridge2Life South Florida, Broward County Public Schools

FCAN celebrates State Senator Bryan Ávila , Senate District 39, for achieving the highest FAFSA completions among all FL Senate Districts! More than half (55.2%) of District 39 students completed applications for federal student aid.

Congratulations to these students on taking their next step toward postsecondary plans!



United Way Miami, Miami-Dade County Public Schools

FCAN celebrates Senator Corey Simon, Senate District 3, for achieving the highest growth in FAFSA completions among all FL Senate Districts!

From 2025-2026, District 3 students completed 13.2% more applications for federal student aid.

Congratulations to these students on taking their next step toward postsecondary plans!



Aspire Capital Region; Dixie District Schools, Gadsden County School District - Florida, Gulf District Schools, Jefferson County Schools K-12, A Community Partnership School, Leon County Schools, Suwannee County Schools: Official SCSB Site, Wakulla County Schools

FCAN celebrates Representative Karen Gonzalez Pittman State Representative District 65 for achieving the highest growth in FAFSA completions among all FL House Districts!

From 2025 - 2026, District 65 students completed 17.9% more applications for federal student aid.

Congratulations to these students on taking their next step toward postsecondary plans!



Hillsborough County Public Schools Leap Tampa Bay

Don't miss the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations upcoming webinar - Florida’s Talent Engine: Why Postsecondary Attainment is Everyone’s Business.

📅 May 18, 8:30 AM ET

Registration and details below ⬇️

Florida students have more pathways to success than many families realize.

This morning, the Consortium hosted Florida’s Talent Engine: Why Postsecondary Attainment is Everyone’s Business, featuring an incredible panel of partners who helped connect the dots between student opportunity, family awareness, and Florida’s future economy.

Thank you to Corrie Milton with the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Paul Perrault with Helios Education Foundation, Dr. Kimberly Krupa with Florida College Access Network, and Shaqueria Myrick with the Florida Lottery for sharing their expertise. A special thanks to our moderator Jeff Kunberger with Suncoast Credit Union Foundation.

From the economic impact of increasing college enrollment and attainment to the role employers can play in helping students explore future careers, to the scholarships and financial aid opportunities families may not realize are available, this conversation was full of important takeaways.

Couldn’t join us this morning? We are hosting this same webinar again on Monday, May 18, at 8:30 a.m.

Register here: https://bit.ly/May18BF

FCAN celebrates Florida State Senator Don Gaetz - District 1 as our 2026 Legislative FAFSA Champion!

We are thrilled the Senator entered our inaugural challenge and has helped raise awareness for students completing the FAFSA. We acknowledge his public service and strong voice for education.

Stay tuned to learn more about the additional FAFSA Challenge winners as they drop in the coming days.



Achieve Escambia, Okaloosa County School District, Escambia County Public Schools, Santa Rosa County District Schools, Florida