Hocking College earns Ohio Reach Postsecondary designation for support of foster-connected students
Hocking College (Hocking) among the first group of Ohio colleges, universities and Ohio Technical Centers to earn the Ohio Reach Postsecondary designation for their efforts to support foster care-connected students.
The Ohio Reach Postsecondary designation is given to campuses that support students with foster care or kinship experience. Through Ohio Reach, professionals, advocates, and students across the state support former foster youth in achieving their educational goals. A variety of academic support resources are available to higher education institutions, child welfare agencies, and foster care alumni enrolled in college through Ohio Reach.
"Hocking has the opportunity to assist and support young adults aging out of the foster system, and I am thrilled about this opportunity," said President Betty Young. These students may face unique challenges in their young lives, but with this designation, we hope to provide stability and a clear path to success."
The initial announcement of Ohio Reach Postsecondary was made in May 2023. To receive the Ohio Reach Postsecondary designation, alumni of care through the Ohio Youth Action Board must meet the following criteria:
- A designated campus liaison
- Champions in various campus departments
- The ability to connect students to resources (basic needs, food, housing)
- Community-building opportunities for students
- Targeted outreach to students and efforts made to identify and support them
- Expanding the eligibility of on-campus services
- Staff training on working with alumni of foster care
- Succession/transition planning
- Data collection
- Mentorship
Additional criteria that are recommended but not required include year-round housing, career counseling, community leadership opportunities and in-depth tutoring resources.
For more information about the Ohio Reach Postsecondary designation, please contact Hocking College’s Vice President, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer of Student Affairs, Hannah Guada, by email at guadah@hocking.edu or by phone at (740) 753-7067
