The Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) has announced that Chancellor Mike Duffey has named the third group of institutions, including The Ohio State University at Newark, to receive the Ohio Reach Postsecondary Designation. This designation is awarded to campuses that demonstrate support for students with foster care or kinship experience.
According to ODHE, the Ohio Reach Postsecondary Designation is managed by the Ohio Children’s Alliance and connects higher education institutions, child welfare agencies, and foster care alumni to ensure academic success. With 57 campuses now holding the designation, the program assists foster care-connected students by providing resources and services such as mentorship, community-building, and support for basic needs. Campuses must meet criteria including having a designated liaison, expanding campus services, and staff training. Additional recommended criteria include year-round housing and career counseling.
"Students with foster care experience approach higher education with unique needs," said Chancellor Duffey. "Colleges earn the designation Ohio Reach when they demonstrate a willingness to invest in these students, including dedicated staff and a well-organized plan to connect these students with resources. The State of Ohio appreciates our colleges who go the extra mile for these students."
The Ohio State University at Newark offers a regional access point to Ohio State education, serving over 2,500 students since its establishment in 1957. The campus includes academic and residence halls across 200 acres and has seen significant investment in facilities totaling $75 million since 2017. It provides various courses, programs, and services aiming to be a model for regional campuses of public universities while emphasizing access, diversity, and community engagement.
The ODHE is a state-level agency responsible for overseeing higher education institutions across Ohio. It approves new degree programs, manages state financial aid, and shapes education policy to support the state and its residents. The Chancellor leads the department as a member of the Governor’s Cabinet and implements statewide goals to improve college affordability and strengthen the economy through Ohio’s public higher education system. Mike Duffey became the 11th Chancellor in January 2024.
