The RiSE program is dedicated to advancing student success for some of Ohio State's most resilient and valued communities — students with lived experience in foster care, undergraduate parenting students, and those who have faced housing insecurity.
RiSE serves as a centralized hub for holistic support, connecting students to academic resources, financial assistance and co-curricular opportunities that nurture belonging and achievement. Through tailored services and strategic partnerships, RiSE removes academic, environmental and institutional barriers so that every student can thrive from enrollment to graduation.
Signature Areas
ACCESS Collaborative
Breaking the cycle of poverty in parenting-student families one degree at a time.
Established in 1989, the ACCESS Collaborative program is an academic and social support program for parenting students who are pursuing a college education at Ohio State. While the program strives to increase the retention rates of parenting students, special attention is given to the unique circumstances of students from diverse social groups. By minimizing the barriers that may prevent their full participation, ACCESS Collaborative works to create a campus climate that is inclusive for all.
The program coordinates university and community support services to assist parenting students of various household compositions and personal demographics toward degree completion. ACCESS Collaborative welcomes all undergraduate and graduate parenting students who are either full-time or part-time students at Ohio State.
Eligibility
- Full-time or part-time Ohio State students
- Minimum GPA of 2.0
- Full, physical custody of their children
Services Offered
- Scholarship opportunities
- Mentoring, professional development
- Housing assistance
Workshops
- Parenting skills: building self-esteem and promoting autonomy in children, improving family harmony, guiding children to maturity
- Life skills: stress management, relationship building, communication skill development
There are a variety of valuable resources available to parenting students both on campus and in the community. A few of these organizations and programs are collected below.
Family Zone in Thompson Library
University Libraries has partnered with ACCESS to create a Family Zone in Thompson Library. Located on the first floor near the circulation desk, the Family Zone is a comfortable, welcoming space for parents pursuing a college education at Ohio State to study and access library resources. It includes a designated computer for the parent, seating for children and a small collection of children’s books that can be enjoyed in Thompson Library.
Affordable undergrad student parent housing
Columbus Scholar House, North 17th Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203, offers:
- Rent: Based on 30% of adjusted annual income with unit types of 2 and 3 Bedrooms: 970 - 1,145 sq. ft. in Columbus City Schools
- Resident services and priority and access to on-site childcare
Franklin County Children Services Resource Guide
Franklin County Children Services advocates for the safety, permanency and well-being of each child in a manner that honors family and culture.
Title IX law for pregnant and parenting students
Schools that receive federal funds must not discriminate against students on the basis of sex, including a student’s pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination, or recovery therefrom. Schools must provide equal access to school programs and extracurricular activities to students who might be, are, or have been pregnant.
Buckeye Food Alliance
The Buckeye Food Alliance aims at understanding the impact of hunger on educational achievement. They provide access to healthy food for the Ohio State community in order to reduce food insecurity.
Lutheran Social Services 211
Lutheran Social Services 211, also known as LSS 211 Central Ohio, is a database to connect central Ohio residents to comprehensive social, health, non-profit and government resources.
National Student Parent Support Symposium
This nationally acclaimed symposium brings together students, community and higher education professionals to discuss best practices, policies, research, program models and community collaboration when supporting post-secondary parenting students and their families. The focus is on how to empower this unique college population while assisting them with overcoming barriers that may keep them from graduating.
Fostering Achievement Network (FAN)
About
FAN offers a supportive community tailored for students with experience in foster care, kinship care, or another out-of-home placement, providing essential resources to help them overcome challenges and seize new opportunities. Students in FAN can receive personalized guidance and tools to navigate the transition to becoming a Buckeye and their path to success.
FAN Background
In the fall of 2020, an Ohio State student founded the Fostering Achievement Network (FAN) on the Columbus campus. FAN was designed to help current and former foster youth navigate higher education. Unfortunately, after the student graduated, the organization did not have the support to sustain itself.
In 2023, the Columbus and Mansfield campuses earned the Ohio REACH Postsecondary designation from the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) — Newark (2025) and Lima (2026) have followed. Along with the state designation, the Columbus campus has the university’s support for former foster youth. The Columbus campus is revitalizing the Fostering Achievement Network as a campus-wide initiative.
FAN is a purpose-driven program that offers a unique educational experience. It incorporates academic success coaching, mentors, monthly FAN-Specific workshop opportunities, and additional support services to eliminate barriers to opportunities, thus allowing students to meet their full potential. Students can engage with FAN in various ways. By offering three participation levels: Scarlet (FULL-participation), Gray (Semi-Participation), and WIN (as-needed participation), there is something for everyone!
Eligibility
- Identify as someone with lived experience in foster care, kinship care or any out-of-home placement.
- Must enroll in at least six semester hours at the Columbus campus.
Benefits
FAN members enjoy a variety of benefits designed to support their journey at The Ohio State University:
- Scholarship and Financial Aid Counseling: Expert advice on scholarships and financial aid from a dedicated Scholarship Services team.
- Additional Scholarship Opportunities: Chance to explore even more scholarship options to support your education.
- Program-Specific Federal Work-Study: Program specific work-study opportunities.
- Academic Success Coaching: Benefit from one-on-one coaching to help excel and reach academic goals.
- Social Engagement Activities: Get involved and make new friends through fun events and activities tailored for all!
- Invitations to Events: Events and workshops that enhance college experience and expand network.
- Global Education Support: Resources that help explore global learning opportunities.
Join the Fostering Achievement Network!
To join FAN, students must complete both the application and the consent form.
Additional FAN Resources
Ohio Reach Resources - Help for scholarships, housing, food and more.
Contact FAN
Please direct any questions about FAN or any need for accommodations to Chaka Wilson at wilson.1071@osu.edu or fan@osu.edu.
Scarlet Pathways (launching Autumn 2027)
A pioneering initiative designed to support students navigating housing insecurity with stability resources and success coaching.