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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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
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Mount St. Joseph University
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Mount Vernon Nazarene University
36. The Ohio State University - Lima
39. Pickaway-Ross Career & Technology Center
41. Ross College- North Canton
42. Ross College - Sylvania
43. Scioto County Career & Technical Center
46. The Ohio State University-Mansfield
47. The Ohio State University - Newark
49. Tri-County Career Center
50. University of Cincinnati
51. University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash
52. University of Cincinnati- Clermont
53. University of Dayton
55. University of Toledo
56. Warren County Career Center
57. Washington County Career & Technical Center
58. Washington State College of Ohio
59. Wilberforce University
61. 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.
