Ohio Reach has a new website!   Please visit it: www.ohioreach.org

HISTORICAL INFORMATION

• Timeline of the Ohio Reach initiative, from a foster care youth and alumni perspective.
• Ohio Reach map, as of 2019
• Top 10 List of College Survival Strategies, created by Ohio foster care youth and alumni
• Top 5 High School Tips, created by Ohio foster care and alumni

POST-SECONDARY RESOURCES
Here is a link to a complete list of post-secondary resources for former foster youth within the state of Ohio.

Statewide resources to support post-secondary success for foster care alumni include:

• ACT waivers can be requested high school guidance counselors
• SAT waivers can be requested by calling the SAT Educator Helpline at 888-SAT-HELP
• Certificate Program Funds
• (2020) Short-Term Certificate Program, Foster Youth Grant
• Filling out the FAFSA as an independent student
• ETV Funds
• CCMEP 
• The Bridges program
• Medicaid until age 26
• Using OCOG funds for housing

SAMPLE CAMPUS PROGRAMS

1.) Cleveland State University ~  Fostering Success and Leadership Programs
These four programs are designed for youth who are aging out of foster care or experienced foster care and aspire to pursue an undergraduate degree.

• Sullivan-Deckard Scholars Opportunity Program
• Helen Packer Scholarship Program
• LINK Scholars Program
• Pratt Center – Fostering Success and Leadership

2.) Columbus State Community College ~ Scholar Network
Current or former foster youth who are admitted and enrolled at Columbus State Community College can join the Scholar Network. This program provides ongoing mentorship, peer support, and leadership experience.

3.) Cuyahoga Community College ~ Reach Scholars Mentoring Program
Current or former foster youth who are admitted and enrolled at Cuyahoga Community College can apply for a mentor. This program pairs students with a faculty member or staff member to provide encouragement, connection to College resources, and emotional support to ensure that the reach scholar makes academic progress toward degree completion.

4.) Ohio State University ~ Fostering Achievement Network
The purpose of the Fostering Achievement Network (FAN) is to eliminate this statistic and cultivate community among our brothers and sisters of the foster care system. FAN is comprised of former foster youth seeking higher education as well as mentors and community partners offering a network of support. Here is a link to apply.

Each student is invited to participate in a monthly Lunch & Learn series focused on building relationships and equipping students with the tools needed for academic and personal success. Students are also eligible for stipends and other incentives to support their achievement, including emergency financial aid, professional attire when entering the workforce, and milestone achievement awards. FAN is partially funded by Ohio Reach and partners with a community-based organization called El’lesun.

5.) Hamilton County ~ Higher Education Mentoring Initiative
This program provides Hamilton County foster youth with a long-term academic mentoring relationship that begins in high school and is focused on awareness of, preparation for, and completion of post-secondary education and training.

6.) Wright State University ~ Independent Scholars Network
Current or former foster youth who are admitted and enrolled at Wright State University can apply for this program. The ISN program offers a bridge to students who emancipate from foster care or disengage from the adoptive process. They provide a wide range of services, including help with living arrangements and employment opportunities.

TOOLS FOR PROFESSIONALS:

• The Every Students Succeeds Act requires schools and child welfare agencies to abide by specific guidelines and provide resources to ensure improved educational outcomes for children in foster care
• 2017 HEMI Research Study is a 2017 economic research study that followed Hamilton County foster youth outcomes between 2008-2015.