DCAN UNIVERSITY
DCAN UNIVERSITY: College Access Training Certification Program
Empowering Detroit’s College Access Professionals for Student Success
DCAN University is a professional development series designed to equip college access professionals, educators, counselors, and community partners with the tools and strategies to guide Detroit students toward postsecondary success.
This series focuses on expanding access to credential-earning pathways through applied theories and best practices. Participants can attend general sessions or commit to the Certificate Track for deeper engagement, hands-on implementation, and formal recognition
Benefits of Participating in DCAN University:
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Earn up to 7 SCECH Credits
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Gain actionable strategies to support students’ postsecondary journeys
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Access resources, templates, and tools you can use immediately
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Build your resume with a Certificate of Completion (Certificate Track)
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Engage in interactive, real-world application sessions
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Earn recognition for your commitment to equity in education
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Join a learning community committed to closing opportunity gaps
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Receive 1-on-1 implementation support and coaching
2 Participation Options
Virtual Sessions (General Public): These sessions are open to all College Access Practitioners, educators, counselors, and community partners and focus on best practices, tools, and strategies for supporting students on their postsecondary journey.
In-Person Sessions (Certificate Track Only):For Certificate participants. These hands-on, discussion-based sessions explore implementation, collaboration, and problem-solving in greater depth.
Certificate Requirements
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Attend or watch all sessions
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Post a reflection in the discussion board after each session
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Complete a pre-assessment before the trimester begins
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Score 80% or higher on the post-assessment
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Complete and submit an implementation plan
Upcoming Sesions
Session II: From FAFSA to Funding: Strategies for College Affordability
Date: November 13, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Location: Zoom
Navigating the financial aid process can be one of the most challenging aspects of helping students pursue higher education. This session will provide college access professionals with up-to-date strategies, tools, and insights to guide students and families through the FAFSA process and beyond. Participants will explore effective ways to increase FAFSA completion rates, identify additional funding sources such as scholarships and grants, and address common barriers that prevent students from accessing financial aid. Attendees will leave equipped with actionable strategies to make college more affordable and attainable for the students they serve.
Implementation Session Certification
Date: November 20, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: In Person (Location sent after registering)
This session is designed for participants enrolled in the DCAN University Certification Track to put their learning into action. Attendees will have the opportunity to apply the knowledge, tools, and best practices gained throughout the program to develop an implementation plan tailored to their school or organization. Guided by facilitators, participants will refine their strategies, set measurable goals, and identify next steps to strengthen college access and success outcomes. By the end of the session, participants will be prepared to present their implementation projects and demonstrate how their work supports DCAN’s mission of ensuring every Detroit student has a clear pathway to postsecondary success.
Save the Date:
December 11 - Session III: Data-Driven Culture: Leveraging Data to Build College-Going Systems
January 15 - Session IV: Advising on Purpose: Applying Match & Fit in Postsecondary Planning
January 22 - Certificate Track Only (In-person)
February 12: Session V - Beyond the Award Offer: Making Sense of Financial Aid Packages and Affordability
February 19 - Certificate Track Only (In-person)
March 12: Session VI: Preventing Summer Melt: Strategies for Student Persistence
April 16: Beyond Senior Year: Expanding College and Career Exposure for Underclassmen