Detroit College Access Network (DCAN) stands as a source of hope and opportunity for Detroit’s students. Established ten years ago in response to low FAFSA completion rates, DCAN’s mission is to ensure that all students, particularly Black and Brown students, can see themselves thriving on college campuses. The organization’s efforts are crucial in a city where postsecondary enrollment is declining.

The Impact of Detroit’s Educational Landscape

DCAN’s efforts are especially vital given the historical challenges faced by Detroit’s public schools. Over the past decade, Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) underwent significant changes, including periods of emergency management aimed at addressing financial crises and improving educational outcomes. These periods of state intervention often led to restructuring, but they also highlighted the barriers to educational success in the city, such as underfunding, high absentee rates, and resource disparities.

DCAN’s Mission

In response to these challenges, DCAN has focused on creating sustainable, community-driven solutions that address both immediate needs and long-term goals. By partnering with schools, community organizations, and families, DCAN works to ensure that every student has access to the resources and support they need to succeed.

Their Graduate 313 initiative, for instance, aims to create community hubs across Detroit, providing two-generational support to both students and their families.

“Detroit has one of the highest absentee rates in the country,” Cyekeia Lee, Executive Director of DCAN. “We know the school system can’t do it alone. Our goal is to fill in the gaps and provide comprehensive support, whether it’s through partnering with organizations that provide mental health resources, food security, or college access counseling.”

DCAN’s initiatives span from middle school through adulthood ensuring comprehensive support at every stage of the educational journey. One of DCAN’s innovative initiatives is the FAFSA Café, hosted in partnership with Capital One and the National College Attainment Network (NCAN). These events provide a supportive environment where students and their families can receive assistance with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA Café addresses a critical barrier to college access, as students who complete the FAFSA are significantly more likely to enroll in and attend college.

Two participants hugging warmly during Detroit College Access Network’s FAFSA Cafe event.

One of DCAN’s standout events is Decision Day, a celebration of students’ postsecondary commitments. This year’s event drew 1400 students, which serves as a testament to the organization’s reach and impact. However, the road to hosting such an event wasn’t easy. While the organization had generous funding support this year, just one year ago they faced a dilemma, almost forcing the organization to postpone this annual event. “We were under a financial strain and didn’t have enough funds to feed and bus the students,” said Lee. “Thanks to the Song Foundation, we were able to close the gap and provide an unforgettable experience for the students.”

DCAN and the Song Foundation

The partnership between DCAN and the Song Foundation began during a critical moment for DCAN. On Decision Day 2023, the organization faced financial challenges that threatened their ability to bus and feed students for the event. “People kept saying just send students to the event and don’t feed them,” Lee recounts. “But we were taking students out of the school day, and that might be someone’s only meal.”

 The Song Foundation’s generous support enabled DCAN to provide transportation and meals for 700 students, ensuring a successful and memorable Decision Day.

“The Song Foundation’s support was more than financial,” Lee emphasizes. “They believed in our mission and have continued to be an invaluable partner, helping us expand our reach and impact.”

2024 Decision Day Detroit College Access Network’s Choice Awardee

Looking Ahead

DCAN’s future is bright, with plans to expand their reach and deepen their impact. The organization is developing a three-year high school pipeline to prepare Black and Brown students for careers in tech and entrepreneurship. They are also committed to enhancing their two-generational support model, ensuring that entire families can benefit from educational opportunities.

“We aspire to be the best college access organization in the country,” says Lee. “Our new focus on persistence and completion, not just access, sets us apart. We’re here to ensure that students not only get to college but succeed and graduate.”

For Lee and her team, the work at DCAN is personal. As a first-generation college student, Lee knows firsthand the power of education.

This personal commitment is shared by the entire DCAN team, many of whom are also first-generation college graduates. Their dedication and passion are evident in every initiative, every partnership, and every success story that emerges from their efforts.

For more information about DCAN and their groundbreaking initiatives, visit their social media: Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. You can also check out their website.