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What is I Can Achieve a Nursing Degree (ICAN)?
In response to growing healthcare workforce shortages and persistent disparities in representation within nursing, I Can Achieve a Nursing Degree (ICAN) brings together education, healthcare, philanthropy, and community organizations to create a comprehensive pathway from high school to college and career.
ICAN is a collaborative workforce development initiative designed to increase access to nursing and healthcare careers for students from historically underrepresented communities. Through mentorship, academic support, hands-on healthcare experiences, and college readiness programming, ICAN is building a more diverse and equitable healthcare workforce while strengthening the pipeline from high school to higher education and career.
Over the last year, our third class of 30 ICAN students were paired with professional mentors from Russell Sage College, Albany Medical Center, and many other community health organizations in the Capital Region. Students earned industry recognized certifications, explored healthcare careers through experiential learning, developed professional skills, and increased their confidence in pursuing college and healthcare professions.
Assessment data demonstrates meaningful program impact. Students reported increased confidence in attending college, greater preparedness for nursing coursework, stronger identification with healthcare careers, and overwhelmingly positive satisfaction with the program. Equally important, Year 3 strengthened ICAN itself through improved assessment practices, expanded partnerships, and lessons that will guide future growth.
As ICAN enters Year 4, the program will build upon these successes by expanding academic support, strengthening mentorship and case management, enhancing workforce experiences, and creating a more intentional pathway from high school to Russell Sage College. ICAN is not simply preparing students for college; it is preparing New York’s future healthcare workforce.
ICAN Mission
The mission of ICAN is to expand opportunity by preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals through mentorship, education, workforce development, and cross-sector partnership. Together, we are building a more diverse healthcare workforce that advances health equity and strengthens communities.
ICAN Model & Approach
The ICAN Model: Preparing Students. Strengthening Communities. Advancing Health Equity.
The I Can Achieve a Nursing Degree (ICAN) program is more than a college access initiative, it is a comprehensive pathway designed to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals. Through an integrated model of community, education, and workforce development, ICAN equips students with the knowledge, experiences, relationships, and skills they need to succeed in college and thrive in healthcare careers.
Rather than relying on a single intervention, ICAN intentionally connects every aspect of the scholar’s experience. Caring mentors, rigorous academic preparation, immersive healthcare experiences, and workforce development opportunities work together to create a continuum of support that empowers students to reach their full potential.
By investing in students today, ICAN is helping build a stronger, more diverse healthcare workforce prepared to meet the evolving needs of our communities.
Powered by Partnership
ICAN is built on the belief that preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals requires collaboration. By bringing together leaders in higher education, healthcare, workforce development, mentorship, and K–12 education, the program creates a seamless pathway that connects students with the resources, experiences, and relationships needed to succeed.
Lead Institution
As the lead institution, Russell Sage College provides strategic leadership, program administration, academic coordination, and student support for ICAN. Drawing on more than a century of educating healthcare professionals, Sage creates meaningful college experiences that prepare students for success in higher education while connecting them with faculty, campus resources, and hands-on learning opportunities. Russell Sage’s longstanding commitment to professional preparation and social mobility serves as the foundation of the ICAN program.
Healthcare Partner
Albany Medical Center introduces students to the breadth and complexity of today’s healthcare environment through career exploration, professional engagement, and experiential learning opportunities. As the region’s academic medical center and a nationally recognized healthcare provider, Albany Med helps students better understand healthcare careers while connecting them with professionals who inspire and inform their educational journey
Workforce Development Partner
Practice2Perfect bridges education and employment by providing workforce readiness training and industry-recognized healthcare credentials. Through hands-on instruction and certification opportunities, students develop practical skills, professional confidence, and credentials that strengthen their preparation for future employment in healthcare
Mentorship Partner
MNT Development strengthens the mentoring experience by recruiting, training, and supporting healthcare professionals who serve as ICAN mentors. Their expertise helps cultivate meaningful, lasting mentoring relationships that encourage students, expand professional networks, and reinforce the personal and academic support that is central to the ICAN model.
Mentorship Partners
Albany Leadership Charter School and Green Tech High School are ICAN’s school partners that play a critical role in identifying students with an interest in healthcare careers and supporting their continued academic success throughout the program. Working closely with Russell Sage College and community partners, they help ensure students remain engaged in opportunities that promote college readiness, career exploration, and long-term educational achievement.
Funding Partners
Mother Cabrini Health Foundation and the Innovation Fund (Albany County and MVP Healthcare) provide the strategic investment that makes the ICAN program possible, supporting innovative approaches to preparing a diverse healthcare workforce and expanding educational opportunity.
ICAN by the Numbers
Academic Excellence: ICAN scholars distinguished themselves both inside and outside the classroom.
Green Tech High School’s Valedictorian and Albany Leadership Charter School’s Valedictorian and Salutatorian were all members of the ICAN program. Their accomplishments reflect the talent, dedication, and leadership of the students participating in the program and underscore ICAN’s commitment to supporting future healthcare professionals who will make a lasting impact in their communities.
Student Outcomes
Throughout the 2025–2026 academic year, ICAN students demonstrated meaningful growth in their confidence, college readiness, and commitment to pursuing healthcare careers. Through mentorship, experiential learning, workforce development, and academic support, students gained the knowledge, skills, and encouragement needed to envision themselves as future healthcare professionals.
Building Confidence to Succeed
ICAN helped students build confidence in their ability to pursue higher education and careers in healthcare.
“My mentor helped me become more comfortable with the idea of college.”
Exploring a Future in Healthcare
Students left the program with a clearer vision of their educational and career goals.
“ICAN has opened my eyes to the world of healthcare.”
“ICAN has helped me see other people who had pursued a nursing career and allowed me to follow their footsteps.”
The Power of Mentorship
Mentorship remained one of the defining features of the ICAN experience, providing students with encouragement, guidance, and meaningful professional connections.
Students described mentors as people who:
- Encouraged them to pursue college.
- Shared real-world healthcare experiences.
- Helped them explore career pathways.
- Supported them through important
academic and personal decisions.
“My mentor always supports my ideas and gives me feedback for my next steps.”
“She always checked in on me—even when I didn’t text back.”
“I liked that my mentor was someone that looks
like me while being in the healthcare field.”
Overall Impressions and Impact of ICAN
Students consistently described ICAN as more than a program but as a pathway toward opportunity. Whether earning healthcare certifications, exploring colleges, meeting healthcare professionals, or participating in hands-on learning experiences, students developed the confidence and skills needed to take the next step toward their future.
“This program is so excellent and it really helps you look into your future. I hope this program stays forever.”
“ICAN helped me figure out what I want to do when I graduate.”
The Power of Mentorship
At the heart of ICAN are dedicated healthcare professionals who generously invest their time, knowledge, and encouragement in the next generation of nurses and healthcare leaders. Through meaningful relationships built on trust, guidance, and shared experiences, mentors help students navigate their educational journey while inspiring confidence, expanding opportunity, and demonstrating what is possible.
27 of 29 mentors (93%) completed the end-of-year mentor survey, providing valuable insight into their experiences supporting ICAN scholars throughout the academic year. Overall, mentors reported a 4.2 out of 5 average satisfaction rating, with 23 mentors (85%) indicating they would mentor again and the remaining 4 (15%) responding “Maybe.” Notably, no mentors indicated they would not participate again, reflecting strong confidence in the program and its impact.
Across the responses, one message emerged consistently: mentors valued the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with students and witness their personal, academic, and professional growth. Many described seeing students gain confidence, become more comfortable discussing their future goals, and develop a clearer understanding of careers in healthcare. Several mentors also shared that the experience was personally rewarding, allowing them to give back to the next generation while strengthening their own leadership, communication, and coaching skills.
While mentor experiences were overwhelmingly positive, several common challenges were identified. The most frequently cited obstacle was coordinating schedules and maintaining consistent communication with students, particularly during busy periods of the school year. A small number of mentors noted that some students needed additional support in understanding professional expectations, including responding to messages, attending scheduled meetings, and taking ownership of the mentoring relationship.
Overall, mentor feedback reinforces one of ICAN’s greatest strengths: creating authentic, supportive relationships that inspire students while simultaneously engaging healthcare professionals in developing the future workforce. The survey responses affirm that the program is achieving its mission while providing clear direction for continued improvement and growth.
“Building a relationship with my mentee and seeing their confidence grow throughout the year was incredibly rewarding.“
“The experience felt like a true partnership. While I was able to offer guidance, I also learned a great deal from my mentee.”
“Being part of a program that helps students envision themselves in healthcare careers was both meaningful and inspiring.”
Mentorship in Action
The impact of mentorship often extends far beyond the classroom.
When ICAN scholar Sory Kone was selected to participate in the Blood Cancer United Student Visionary of the Year campaign, he turned to his ICAN mentor, Russell Sage alumnus Asuan Farrell, DPT, for support.
Dr. Farrell and his colleagues at Choice Physical Therapy enthusiastically rallied behind Sory’s fundraising efforts, joining patients and staff to raise $2,500 for the cause.
A Year of Discovery
Learning Beyond the Classroom, 2025-2026
Throughout the year, ICAN students stepped beyond the traditional classroom to explore healthcare careers through immersive, hands-on experiences. Whether earning certifications, engaging with healthcare professionals, serving the community, or experiencing college life, every opportunity was intentionally designed to build confidence, expand opportunity, and prepare students for future success.
ICAN Munch and Meet
Students met their mentors, built relationships with fellow scholars, and launched the academic year with a shared commitment to personal and professional growth.
Albany Medical Center Experience
Students explored one of the region’s premier academic medical centers, learning firsthand about the many career pathways available within healthcare.
Russell Sage Visit – Troy Campus, Nursing & Health Sciences Simulation Center
Students experienced college life, connected with faculty and students, and explored
pathways into nursing and other healthcare professions.
College Visits
Students engaged directly with college communities, including both Russell Sage campuses in Albany & Troy, and Maria College.
ICAN End-of-Year Celebration
Students, mentors, families, and partners gathered to celebrate a year of learning, leadership, mentorship, and achievement while recognizing the accomplishments of the 2025–2026 ICAN cohort.Project Firstline Training
Students learned infection prevention and patient safety practices essential to quality healthcare.
Vital Signs and Medical Assisting Skills
Students developed foundational clinical skills while gaining hands-on experience with healthcare equipment.
CPR, First Aid and AED Certification
Students earned nationally recognized certifications while building lifesaving skills and emergency preparedness.Phlebotomy Certification
Students completed hands-on training leading to an industry-recognized healthcare credential.
Building On Our Momentum. What’s Next?
Building on three years of implementation, ICAN will enter Year 4 focused on intentional growth, deeper student support, and long-term sustainability. The next phase will expand access for students while strengthening the core elements that have made the model effective: mentorship, academic support, hands-on learning, credentialing, and real-world exposure to healthcare careers.
In Year 4, ICAN will place greater emphasis on structured case management, continued biweekly school-based check-ins, and targeted academic support in STEM subjects such as biology, chemistry, and math. These supports respond directly to lessons learned in prior years and are designed to help students build the confidence and academic readiness needed for nursing and allied health pathways.
Students will also continue to benefit from a full year of experiential learning, including Albany Med exploration, the Community Health Fair, vitals and medical assistant training, CPR/First Aid/AED certification, simulation lab experiences, healthcare facility tours, phlebotomy certification, and career pathway opportunities that may provide 5–10 hours per week of paid, hands-on experience in medical settings.
A key priority for Year 4 will be strengthening the ICAN-to-Russell Sage pathway. Student feedback showed strong interest in healthcare careers, but also made clear the need for more intentional guidance around college selection, majors, admissions, and enrollment. Year 4 will use these insights to better connect student aspiration to postsecondary action.
Finally, ICAN will continue building a stronger evaluation model, using student and mentor feedback, participation data, senior outcomes, and longitudinal tracking to refine the program and support future growth. With a proven foundation now in place, Year 4 represents the next step toward establishing ICAN as a scalable, sustainable model for developing New York’s future healthcare workforce.
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