ODHE announces 2nd cohort of Ohio Reach Postsecondary Designation schools

April 30, 2024

Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) Chancellor Mike Duffey today named the second group of Ohio colleges, universities, and Ohio Technical Centers to earn the Ohio Reach Postsecondary Designation for their efforts to support foster care-connected students.

The Ohio Reach Postsecondary Designation is awarded to those campuses meeting criteria that depict their support of students with experience in foster care or kinship. Ohio Reach is a network of professionals, advocates, and students across Ohio determined to support former foster youth on their education journey. Ohio Reach, administered through the Ohio Children's Alliance, provides resources to institutions of higher education, child welfare agencies, and foster care alumni enrolled in higher education to support their academic success.

"Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential and this designation is a signal to those connected to the foster care system that a designated school provides unique support and resources to help them succeed," said Governor Mike DeWine.

"Students with foster care experience often approach higher education with different life experiences and unique needs in mind," Chancellor Duffey said. "Ohio Reach schools have demonstrated a willingness to invest in these students and commit to shared success. We appreciate this commitment to Ohio's youth."

Campuses receiving the latest Ohio Reach Postsecondary Designation are as follows:

Antioch College
Central Ohio Technical College
Lorain County Community College
Lourdes University
Maplewood Career Center
Malone University
Mt. Carmel College of Nursing
Owens Community College
Pickaway-Ross Career & Technology Center
Scioto County Career & Technical Center
University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash
University of Mount Union

With today's announcement, the total number of Ohio campuses that have earned the Ohio Reach Postsecondary Designation climbs to 40. The initial cohort was announced last August, and 111 Ohio Reach students have since been identified through the designation to receive support services.

Criteria for receiving the Ohio Reach Postsecondary Designation, recommended by the Ohio Reach Coalition with input from alumni of care through the Ohio Youth Action Board, include:

• A designated campus liaison
• Champions in various campus departments
• The ability to connect students to resources (basic needs, food, housing)
• Community-building opportunities for students
• Targeted outreach to students, and efforts made to identify and support them
• Expanding the eligibility of on-campus services
• Staff training on working with alumni of foster care
• Succession/transition planning
• Data collection
• Mentorship

Additional criteria that are recommended, but not required, include year-round housing, career counseling, community leadership opportunities, and in-depth tutoring resources.

"The Ohio Reach Postsecondary Designation signifies more than just recognition; it's a beacon of hope and support," said Kara Wente, director of the Ohio Department of Children and Youth. "Through Ohio Reach, we forge a community dedicated to guiding former kinship and foster care youth on their educational journey. Together, our goal is to ensure that every child has the opportunity to receive resources and supports to reach new heights of success, both inside and outside the classroom."

The designation takes effect immediately. More information about the Ohio Reach Postsecondary Designation and a map of Ohio Reach schools can be found at https://highered.ohio.gov/ohio-reach.