Twelve Local College Access Networks in Iowa have received a new round of funding to continue their work increasing college attainment, Iowa College Aid announced Friday. The $587,350 awarded for fiscal year 2021 to the 12 networks brings the total awarded since the program’s inception in 2015 to more than $2.2 million. Local College Access Networks, or LCANs, use a framework known as collective impact, bringing together leaders in education, business, government, philanthropy and nonprofits to break down barriers to higher education. Iowa College Aid provides funding, training and technical assistance. The grants allow communities to identify the greatest needs of their students and employers, Iowa College Aid Executive Director Mark Wiederspan said. All 12 networks that received funding have been in existence at least a year. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Iowa College Aid suspended new applications this year.