The Ohio Reach Postsecondary designation at Washington State Community College will support the education of foster youth in the region. Kathy Temple-Miller, Washington State dean of Student Success, poses at her office. (Photo Provided)

MARIETTA — Washington State Community College is among the first institutions to earn the Ohio Reach Postsecondary designation by the state Department of Higher Education.

The program is designed to provide supportive services to students with a history in foster care.

As part of the designation, Washington State has been awarded $5,500 to support programming for students in the program.

Twenty-eight colleges, universities and Ohio Technical Centers have received the designation that is awarded to campuses meeting criteria supporting students with experience in foster care or kinship.

“As an institution, Washington State has a wide range of support programs to help our students be successful in the classroom, get across the finish line to graduation, and into their careers,” Kathy Temple-Miller, Washington State dean of Student Success, said. “The Ohio Reach Postsecondary grant will help us work to create a greater sense of community for foster youth in our region through social engagements that promote strong peer networks while also offering professional mentorship opportunities.”

Ohio Reach is a network of professionals, advocates and students in Ohio and is administered through the Ohio Children’s Alliance.

The network provides resources to institutions of higher education, child welfare agencies and foster care alumni enrolled in higher education to support their academic success.

Other campuses receiving the designation include Aultman College, Belmont College, Buckeye Hills Career Center, Canton City Career & Technical Center, Choffin Career and Technical Center, Clark State College, Cleveland State University, Collins Career Technical Center, Columbus City Adult Education, Columbus State Community College, Cuyahoga Community College, Cuyahoga Valley Career Center, Defiance College, Hocking College, Kent State University, Mahoning County Career and Technical Center, Miami University, Mid-East Career and Technical Centers, North Central State College, Ohio University, The Ohio State University, The Ohio State University – Mansfield Campus, Rhodes State College, Stark State College, The University of Akron, Washington County Career and Technical Center, and Wright State University.