Battle Creek CAN

Building on BCCAN’s Work Across Calhoun County

For many years, the Battle Creek College Access Network (BCCAN) brought together schools, higher education institutions, nonprofit organizations, employers, and funders around a shared commitment to expanding postsecondary opportunity for students.

Through this collaborative work, our community strengthened FAFSA completion efforts, increased access to scholarships and financial aid, supported college and career exploration, and helped more students pursue education and training beyond high school.

Following a community assessment and planning process, responsibility for coordinating this work has transitioned to the Calhoun Intermediate School District (CISD). This transition builds on the strong foundation established through BCCAN while creating an opportunity to better connect college and career access efforts across all of Calhoun County.

With its countywide relationships with schools, educators, students, families, employers, and community partners, CISD is uniquely positioned to coordinate this work on a broader regional level. The transition will allow the community to more effectively align existing programs, partnerships, data, expertise, and resources while identifying new opportunities to support students throughout the county.

The organization coordinating the work has changed, but the commitment to students and families remains the same. This next phase is intended to strengthen collaboration, reduce duplication, expand access to available resources, and create more connected pathways from high school to college, skilled trades, apprenticeships, credential programs, and careers.

The work will continue to include:

• FAFSA completion and financial aid support
• Scholarship navigation
• College and career exploration
• Postsecondary advising
• Connections to education, training, apprenticeship, credential, and career pathways
• Collaboration among schools, higher education institutions, employers, funders, and community organizations
• Countywide coordination of resources and opportunities that support student success

The Battle Creek Community Foundation remains committed to expanding postsecondary opportunity through scholarship stewardship, strategic grantmaking, philanthropic leadership, and community partnerships. Together, BCCF, CISD, and our many community partners will continue working toward a stronger, more coordinated system of support for students throughout Calhoun County.

Connect With the CISD Team

For questions about college access and attainment efforts, partnership opportunities, or related resources, please contact:

Jose Orozco
Education Consultant, Counseling and Career Development
Calhoun Intermediate School District
orozcoj@calhounisd.org
(269) 968-2271, ext. 5276

Visit the Calhoun Intermediate School District:
https://www.calhounisd.org/