An affiliate of Ohio Children's Alliance
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.
STUDENT RESOUCES
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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Ohio Reach Scholarship
Application Closed
Applications Reopen in March 2026
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
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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
32. Mid-East Career & Technical Center
33. Mount Carmel College of Nursing
34. North Central State College
37. Pickaway-Ross Career & Technology Center
39. Ross College- North Canton
40. Ross College - Sylvania
41. Scioto County Career & Technical Center
44. The Ohio State University-Mansfield
45. The Ohio State University - Newark
47. Tri-County Career Center
48. University of Cincinnati
49. University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash
50. University of Cincinnati- Clermont
51. University of Dayton
53. Warren County Career Center
54. Washington County Career & Technical Center
55. Washington State College of Ohio
57. 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.
