Ohio REACH opens pathways to higher education
UC study, Ohio REACH highlight support for foster care students
A recent Spectrum News1 story highlights the challenges and opportunities for students who have experienced foster care, featuring a University of Cincinnati study and a statewide initiative.
Brooke Winstead, who aged out of Ohio’s foster system at 21, recently graduated from UC in urban studies, crediting support from Ohio REACH, a program that helps foster care–connected students navigate higher education. “Not having parents made me more of a hungry person to go after my goals,” Winstead said, noting mentorship, financial aid and campus guidance were pivotal.
Ohio REACH, now active at 57 colleges and universities and supporting nearly 400 students, is expanding even as national data show more than 300,000 children enter foster care each year. Susan Ballard, programs director at the Ohio Children’s Alliance, said the network improves both retention and student success.
UC research led by assistant professor Catelyn Smeyne is drawing attention to the needs of foster caregivers, finding many feel isolated and lack access to trauma-informed, community-driven training. “Figuring out how to do that through policy, regulations, better research, better training and better supports…is urgent,” Smeyne said, amid a nationwide decline in foster homes.
Ohio REACH is also launching a fundraiser for its emergency fund, which helps students cover housing, transportation and other critical needs.
Watch the Spectrum News1 video segement.
Learn more about Dr. Smeyne's foster care reserach at UC News.
Featured photo at top courtesy of iStock Photo/FG trade.
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