Resource Hub

The Resource Hub is brought to you by ICAN and ISL Education Lending, two trusted nonprofit organizations supporting Iowa families in their career and education journeys. For nearly 50 years, both organizations have worked with students, parents and schools to provide guidance, tools and expertise—helping families make informed decisions about career pathways, education options, and paying for college or training.

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Expand Your Knowledge

Find articles, videos, tips and tools to help you with career and college planning as well as understanding financial aid.

Freshman Transition Guide

Beginning your high school carer is an exciting time. For many reasons, your freshman year is one of the most important years you'll experience. Why is freshman year so important you might ask? Download this guide to find out.

Career and College Planning Guide for Sophomores and Juniors

Simplify the planning process using this comprehensive guide that contains information on career planning, academic preparation, college selection and financial aid.

Return on College Investment Tool

Learn how the potential return on your college investment is affected by your choice of college major.

Career Planning Checklist

Use this checklist to take certain actions to help you select a career goal and maximize the likelihood of success upon graduation.

Freshman/Sophomore Countdown to Your Future Calendar

Stay on track in high school using Freshman/Sophomore calendars of monthly to do's for each grade level.

Junior/Senior Countdown to Your Future Calendar

Stay on track in high school using Junior/Senior calendars of monthly to do's for each grade level.

Choosing a College and Consider Costs

The time to choose a college is approaching, but the wide variety of options can make it hard to know which ones you should seriously consider. These six steps can help .

What to Ask During a College Visit

A visit to a college campus is a great way to familiarize yourself with the overall atmosphere on campus and see what daily life there may be like.

Video: Understanding College Costs

Understanding all the costs associated with college is important for properly planning and paying for college.

Student Loan Game Plan Tool

Calculate student loan payments based on your expected starting salary and see how your borrowing choices affect your future budget.

Student Planning Pointers for Parents

Parents can subscribe to this twice-monthly email service customized to students' grade levels.

FAFSA Help

Get free FAFSA completion assistance from an ICAN advisor virtually or in-person at an ICAN office – visit www.icansucceed.org/apt to schedule.

Financial Aid Resources

Why File the FAFSA?

Many forms of financial aid require the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA.) Review this sheet to review the many reasons why the FAFSA should be completed and find the answers to questions for parents who may question the use of their information on the student's application.

Completing the CSS Profile

The CSS/Financial Aid Profile is an application distributed by the College Board allowing students to apply for financial aid. It is primarily designed to give institutions a closer look into the finances of a student and family. It is much more detailed than the FAFSA. This sheet goes over the detailed information needed to complete the CSS Profile.

Prepare to File For Financial Aid

Whether you are planning to enter college for the first time next fall or are returning for another term, securing financial aid means filing your FAFSA.

Understanding Your Financial Aid Award Package

While college acceptance letters are often exciting, the arrival of financial aid offer packages can be confusing. Keep these five things in mind as you review your financial aid offers to limit stress.

After You File the FAFSA

Filing the FAFSA is only the first step toward financing your college education. Take these steps to help ensure you receive all the financial aid for which you qualify.

Video: Determining Loan Need

Before you or your student take out any loans for college, you first need to figure out exactly what amount you might need to borrow.

ICAN Tip of the Week

This short weekly video is packed with timely advice to help students of all ages prepare for life after high school. Stay on track with quick tips covering career exploration, college planning, and financial aid. Sign up at www.icansucceed.org/signup.

Class of … Alerts

Stay informed with reminders and resources tailored to your graduation year. Get event updates, planning tips, and key deadlines delivered right to you—keeping your journey to life after high school on track. Sign up at www.icansucceed.org/signup

ICAN Webinar Series

ICAN's Wednesday Webinar Series offers students and families weekly virtual sessions focused on essential career and college planning topics. These interactive webinars cover areas such as career exploration, college admissions, financial aid, and scholarship strategies. Each session features expert insights and practical guidance to help students navigate their post-secondary journey. Recordings of past webinars are available for on-demand viewing, providing flexible access to valuable resources anytime.