In 2025, the Missouri College & Career Attainment Network (MOCAN) launched a new initiative, the Kansas City College and Career Attainment Network (KCCAN) in an effort to expand postsecondary access, affordability, and completion across the Kansas City metro. One of the first initiatives deployed through KCCAN is a partnership with Kansas City Public Schools to embed six full-time college and career advisors directly in KCPS high schools.  

Through a mixed-methods approach, the research team seeks to generate insights around the implementation of the KCCAN Advising Program that identifies first-year success and challenges, highlights key outcomes of the program, and supports the development of KCCAN strategies. The research team is using interview and focus group findings, as well as program records and KCPS-level data to explore research questions. Researchers will deliver the results to KCCAN stakeholders to help inform their ongoing program efforts.