NATIONAL COLLEGE ATTAINMENT NETWORK

"They made my learning curve very easy and smooth to climb"

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the National College Attainment Network shares best practices with nearly 600 member organizations across the U.S. that help students gain access to and succeed in postsecondary education. NCAN member organizations touch the lives of more than 2 million students and families each year. They span the education, nonprofit, government, and civic sectors with a belief that everyone – regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status – should have the opportunity to complete affordable, high-quality education after high school. NCAN builds network capacity of postsecondary access and success leaders and practitioners, advocates for policy solutions, and supports systems change in school districts and postsecondary institutions.

Sara Melnick, Chief of Finance & Special Projects, recalls that the organization was already using YPTC’s services when she came to NCAN 12 years ago. She worked with one YPTC associate for 11 years and had trepidations when that person moved to another position within YPTC, but the new associate quickly got up to speed and the transition was seamless.

“The number-one reason we like YPTC is the people with whom we work,” she says. “I’m not an accountant so my learning curve when I took on the role of CFO was steep. Our YPTC associates helped me up that curve and have been very responsive in setting up systems that meet our organization’s needs,” she adds. “And as I’ve gained more knowledge and experience in my role, I’ve been able to bounce ideas off our YPTC colleagues and with their guidance, enhance our financial systems and processes. Everyone at YPTC is easy to work with. They’re good-natured people with a sense of collegiality. And most importantly provide valuable accounting and financial advice”

Sara also appreciates YPTC’s resources, expertise, and the flexibility to meet NCAN’s needs “If I have a question about an accounting issue, such as how to allocate benefits or indirect expenses, our associate has a bank of YPTC colleagues with whom she can consult on these and other topics. That’s come in very handy on a number of occasions.”