The Ohio State University’s Columbus and Mansfield campuses earned renewal of the Ohio Reach Postsecondary Designation for their efforts in supporting foster care-connected students. Both campuses were a part of the inaugural cohort announced in 2023 (designation lasts for three years).
In 2026, Ohio State Lima became the latest university campus to receive the designation, joining the fourth cohort of institutions. Ohio State Newark gained the honor as a member of the 2025 cohort.
The Ohio Reach Postsecondary Designation is awarded to campuses that have built a strong process for identifying and supporting students with experience in foster care, kinship care or other out-of-home placements as they pursue their postsecondary education. Ohio State’s Fostering Achievement Network (FAN), a signature area of the university's Reimagining the Student Experience (RiSE) program, provides comprehensive support to students with lived experiences in foster care, kinship or out-of-home care.
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.
“Students with foster and kinship care experience succeed when campuses are prepared to support them,” said Mark Mecum, CEO of the Ohio Children’s Alliance. “Ohio Reach helps make that possible, and it’s encouraging to see nine more institutions commit to this work in 2026."
Ohio Reach Postsecondary Designation criteria include a designated campus, liaison, coordinated support, resource access and mentorship for students with lived experience in foster, kinship or other out-of-home care.