ODHE announces 3rd cohort of Ohio Reach Postsecondary Designation schools

COLUMBUS, OH, May 14, 2025 - Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) Chancellor Mike Duffey today named the third 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 young person in Ohio deserves the chance to pursue higher education and chase their dreams, regardless of the challenges they've faced," Governor Mike DeWine said. "Ohio Reach is a commitment to making sure foster care-connected students have the support they need to reach their full potential. I commend the colleges and universities that have stepped up to make this a priority."

"Students with foster care experience approach higher education with unique needs," Chancellor Duffey said. "Colleges earn the designation Ohio Reach when they demonstrate a willingness to invest in these students, including dedicated staff and a well-organized plan to connect these students with resources. The State of Ohio appreciates our colleges who go the extra mile for these students."

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

Kent State University Regional Campuses - Ashtabula, Trumbull, East Liverpool, Tuscarawas, Salem, Stark, Geauga, and Twinsburg

The Ohio State University - Newark
Ross College - North Canton
Ross College - Sylvania
Tri-County Career Center
University of Cincinnati
University of Cincinnati - Clermont
University of Dayton
Warren County Career Center
Youngstown State University

With today's announcement, the total number of Ohio campuses that have earned the Ohio Reach Postsecondary Designation climbs to 57. The initial cohort was announced in August of 2023 and the second in April of 2024. Schools in the first two cohorts that submitted data reported identifying a total of 380 foster care-connected students, with 243 of those accessing Ohio Reach resources and campus support. The average retention rate was 77%, with 23 students graduating.

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.

"Through Ohio Reach, we are seeing the power of partnership in action," said Mark Mecum, CEO of Ohio Children's Alliance. "Ohio Reach continues to prove that when we invest in foster youth, they rise. This third cohort is another powerful step in building a future where every student has the support they need to succeed. The Ohio Children's Alliance is honored to support this work and to continue building a statewide culture that champions these resilient young people."

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.