When College Access Now (CAN) first applied for an SVP grant, no one could have predicted how the organization would evolve. Now in their fifth and final year as an Investee, CAN has worked with SVP Partners on everything from developing a strategic plan and refining their infrastructure to building a portfolio of photos that captures the depth of their story and the diversity of the communities they serve.

“It started as part of our fundraising strategy, and what it’s become is really a partnership in the growth of the organization and its mission,” says CAN Operations Director Kayle Walls.

CAN breaks down the barriers that keep low-income students from meeting their full potential. Its high school program walks students in their junior and senior year through career and college exploration, standardized test preparation and college and financial aid applications. CAN’s college program continues that support, helping students adjust to life on campus, follow up with financial aid and scholarships, find internships and even connect with professional mentors.

Entering the 2013-14 school year, CAN put a call out for someone who could help them create a roadmap for the coming four years and take their work to the next level.

CAN’s staff has since grown to 50 full-time employees who run a thriving college persistence program and serve 11 high schools throughout Seattle and South King County.

Read the source article at Social Venture Partners