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.
Our Mission
To establish and promote opportunities for Ohio foster care-connected students to achieve success and thrive in higher education.
Together, we’re building pathways to brighter futures by fostering connections, providing vital support, and advocating for academic achievement.
Current Ohio Reach Network
Ohio Reach Scholarship
Application Open Now
Applications Close May 29th, 2026
STUDENT RESOURCES
Ohio Reach Emergency Fund
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Eligibility: Students must have experience in foster care, kinship care, or out-of-home placement and be actively enrolled in classes at an Ohio institution of higher education at the time of application.
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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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Central State University
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John Carroll University
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Kent State University - Ashtabula
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Kent State University - East Liverpool
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Kent State University - Geauga
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Kent State University - Salem
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Kent State University - Stark
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Kent State University - Trumbull
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Kent State University - Tuscarawas
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Kent State University - Twinsburg
35. Mid-East Career & Technical Center
36. Mount Carmel College of Nursing
37. Mount St. Joseph University
38. Mount Vernon Nazarene University
39. North Central State College
40. The Ohio State University - Lima
43. Pickaway-Ross Career & Technology Center
45. Ross College- North Canton
46. Ross College - Sylvania
47. Scioto County Career & Technical Center
50. The Ohio State University-Mansfield
51. The Ohio State University - Newark
53. Tri-County Career Center
54. University of Cincinnati
55. University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash
56. University of Cincinnati- Clermont
57. University of Dayton
59. University of Toledo
60. Warren County Career Center
61. Washington County Career & Technical Center
62. Washington State College of Ohio
63. Wilberforce University
65. Youngstown State University
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.
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.
Discover real stories from students, alumni, and campus professionals that highlight the transformative impact of Ohio Reach.
Explore the stories below to see how colleges, universities, and child welfare partners are using Ohio Reach resources and microgrants to expand opportunities, strengthen supports, and improve outcomes for foster care-connected students across Ohio.
