Statement of Workplace Culture

WE ARE. . .

MISSION DRIVEN

• MCAN occupies an important niche in the education community. We enthusiastically take on new projects that move us closer to reaching sixty by 30.
• We work with and support the people, partners, and organizations that are committed to our mission.
• We are passionate about our mission and will work diligently improve educational attainment rates for low income, first generation college-going students, and students of color.

INNOVATIVE

• We foster inquisitiveness among staff by encouraging creative approaches to day-to-day challenges and organizational hurdles.
• MCAN considers itself an idea incubator. We are comfortable with experimentation.

BOLD & TENACIOUS

• When we identify strategies, projects and programs that work, we strive to bring them to scale and share them freely with our statewide and national partners.
• We see opportunities, not barriers. As such, we are comfortable with taking calculated risks in the pursuit of sixty by 30.

COLLABORATIVE

• Physically and metaphorically, we are not bound by walls or doors. This means all staff are accessible.
• We avoid recreating the wheel and ensure organizational continuity by intentionally communicating and sharing resources.
• Our staff has a working knowledge of each other’s projects.
• We are committed to and find strength in helping and supporting each other.

INCLUSIVE

• We are enthusiastically committed to diversity when engaging communities, hiring staff, recruiting our board members, and finding new partners across the state.
• Everyone within our organization is a resource. Feedback is welcomed and accepted across the organization.

PROFESSIONAL

• We are prompt, friendly, and clear in our internal and external communications. We are committed to consistent communication.
• We do our homework, and come to the table prepared with meeting materials.
• We are cognizant of the fact that we represent MCAN in our personal and professional lives.

GROWING & LEARNING

• We take the time to debrief on projects and events within the organization, to learn what went well and how we can improve.
• We help staff achieve their professional goals by committing funds to professional development opportunities, and helping staff understand where internal growth opportunities lie (when appropriate).
• Through consistent reviews of goals and performance, we ensure a culture of feedback (both internally and externally) is present throughout all of our work.

FLEXIBLE

• The landscape is constantly changing. To be most effective in our day-to-day work, we are comfortable with ambiguity and recalibrating our approach.
• Our work is complex and moves quickly. Our staff is committed to being responsive to the needs of the organization for shared success.

LEADERS

• We recognize that activities like board participation, mentoring, volunteering, and sports teams will enhance our employees’ productivity and their professional networks.
• We empower decision making at all levels and are comfortable with our staff speaking on behalf of the organization.
• We encourage our staff to think outside the box and take initiative to better the organization.
• As MCAN continues to grow in national prominence in the college access movement, we encourage and promote our staff as leaders in the field.

FUN

• MCAN has created a familial environment for its employees.  We take time to celebrate our individual accomplishments as well as our collective successes.
• We know that important connections can be made during informal downtime at work and restoration is important for productivity.
• Humor is a key component of our work environment. We have built a culture that facilitates interpersonal connections.

​