OHIO REACH
Empowering Foster Care-Connected Students in Higher Education
Ohio Reach is a statewide network of professionals, advocates, and students dedicated to supporting foster care-connected students on their journey to higher education. Through collaboration and advocacy, we provide essential resources to institutions of higher education, child welfare agencies, and foster care-connected students pursuing academic success.
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Our Mission
To establish and promote opportunities for Ohio foster care-connected students to achieve success and thrive in higher education.
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Together, we’re building pathways to brighter futures by fostering connections, providing vital support, and advocating for academic achievement.​
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Become a Designated Institution
Ohio Reach, in partnership with the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) and The Ohio Children’s Alliance, will be accepting applications from accredited colleges, universities, and Ohio Technical Centers to provide supportive services to students with a history in foster care, kinship care, or out-of-home placement.
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The purpose of this directive by ODHE’s Chancellor and designation is to establish supportive criteria necessary for Ohio’s public and independent colleges and universities and technical centers to be recognized as being supportive and inclusive of foster care-connected students
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Current Ohio Reach Network
24. Mid-East Career & Technical Center
25. Mount Carmel College of Nursing
26. North Central State College
28. Owens State Community College
29. Pickaway Ross Career & Technology Center
31. Scioto County Career & Technical Center
34. The Ohio State University-Mansfield
36. University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash
38. Washington County Career Center
STUDENT RESOUCES
Ohio Reach Scholarship
Reopens March, 2025
Ohio Reach Emergency Fund
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Eligibility:
Students with experience in foster care, kinship care, or out-of-home placement who are actively enrolled in an Ohio institution of higher education. -
Funding Amount:
Varies based on individual needs. -
Approval:
Funding is approved once per year. -
Eligible Expenses:
Funds can be used for the following:-
Tuition and school fees
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Bills and utilities
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Transportation costs
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Food and clothing
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Other essential needs (inquire for additional details)
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Eligibility:
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Applicant must have been in the custody of a public children service agency for at least one day after the age of 13. The applicant can have exited the system via reunification, adoption, kinship care, or emancipation.
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Applicant must be enrolled either part-time or full-time pursuing a certificate, Associates degree, or Bachelor's degree at an accredited higher education institution in the state of Ohio.
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High school students must have accepted an offer from a post-secondary institution in the state of Ohio.
