Hocking College has once again been recognized as an Ohio Reach Postsecondary Designated Institution, continuing the college’s commitment to supporting students with lived experience in foster care, kinship care, or out-of-home placement.
The designation, awarded by the Ohio Department of Higher Education in partnership with the Ohio Children’s Alliance, recognizes colleges and universities that have established strong systems and support services for students connected to foster care.
Hocking College has maintained the designation since first earning recognition in 2023. The 2026 cohort marks the fourth group of institutions to earn or renew the Ohio Reach Postsecondary Designation.
To receive the designation, institutions must meet criteria recommended by the Ohio Reach Coalition and alumni of care through the Ohio Youth Action Board. These include:
This announcement comes in the wake of Hocking College’s recently announced Fostering Talent initiative, designed to support students from foster care and kinship backgrounds through mentorship, career exploration, and college navigation resources.
According to the Ohio Department of Higher Education, 61 campuses across Ohio now hold an active Ohio Reach Postsecondary Designation.
The designation takes effect immediately. More information about the Ohio Reach Postsecondary Designation, including a map of Ohio Reach schools, can be found at highered.ohio.gov/ohio-reach.