Ohio Gap Closers

03/12/2024

Link in bio

03/10/2024

We are pleased to announce our annual Ray Porter Foster Care Scholarship.
You can help us by supporting this Double Good fundraiser, https://s.dgpopup.com/a7wgw038 .
Support our mission by donating now!

12/18/2023

Donating to our organization is a powerful way to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children. Your support can provide crucial resources like education, scholarships , and much more, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation. By contributing today, you actively participate in building a foundation for a healthier and more compassionate world, where every child has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential. Your donation becomes a catalyst for positive change, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility for the well-being of our children.
Ohio Gap Closers has one mission. To purposely improve the academic achievements of youth in foster care by delivering exceptional professional development and training sessions.

07/05/2023

Dr. Racquel Armstrong is an OGC founding member. Recently Racquel successfully defended her dissertation- “‘I’m not your superwoman’: How Black Women principals define and mediate self-care.”

In true Ohio Gap Closers spirit she is all about giving thanks to those who helped along her journey.

“I am so grateful for the guidance of my committee and the village for showing up and showing out today! I am also excited to share that as a result of this work, I have accepted a President Postdoctoral Fellowship at Arizona State University in the Division of Leadership & Innovation where I will get to further my research and impact the field.”

Congratulations Dr. Racquel Armstrong!!!

07/03/2023

“Thank you for blessing me with the Ray Porter scholarship award. It is an opportunity that I do not take for granted. With this scholarship award I can further my dream in earning my degree in Exercise Science.
I am a recent graduated from Hughes STEM High School in Cincinnati, OH. I am the last son from my family. I graduated with the accomplishments of being induced into the National Honor Society. Graduating with a 4.16 GPA and ranking 6th in my graduating class of 117. In all four years of my high school career I have been a student athlete and I was nominated and selected to be November’s Student Athlete for 2022. The sports that I have actively participated in were:
➢ Basketball
➢ Cross Country
➢ Outdoor Track and Field
I have also been blessed to participate in the Hughes Pathway for Health in that I was selected to participate in their student work program that has allow me to employed through Trihealth, work in Good Samaritan Hospital, and being exposed to various areas in the health field to further understand how a hospital functions, and finally further my understand the health context area of study to assist my to becoming a physical therapist.

The post-secondary institution that I have chosen to further my studies is the University of Dayton and my context field of study is Exercise Science. I am excited to be pursuing my passion that will allow me to give back to my community in the same manner that was given to me when I was recovering from surgery.
Through all this I thank God for my family’s support. My brothers and sisters, there are 9 of us, four brothers and four sisters, mean the world to me. My extended family, close friends, church family have shown me how love in various forms can shape a person into who they will become. Lastly my parents, who gave me life but more importantly pushed me, challenged me, encourage me, and discipline me (when necessary), and loved me I cannot thank them enough for showing me the way to who I am and encourage me to my future.”
Jaden L. Harris
2023 Ohio Gap Closer Award Recipient
Cincinnati, OH

07/01/2023

Congratulations Are In Order -

What a time to https://mailchi.mp/ohiogapclosers.com/giving-thanks

06/30/2023

Congratulations to our 2023 recipient of the Ray Porter Scholarship, Jada-Marie Matthews.
Jada is a sophomore at Cleveland State University studying pre-transitional nursing and she loves it! It’s her goal to one day become a nurse so she can help those among us who are in need of extra care and support. Ever since she was a child, it’s been a dream of hers to work in the healthcare field and to just be there for others. She’s overcome many obstacles in pursuit of making her dreams come true, such as foster care and homelessness. Regardless, she always kept and will forever keep going. Last semester Jada enrolled in 14 credits hours and managed to make the dean's list while also working full time.

Words of encouragement from Jada “My advice to anyone is to always believe in yourself, keep striving towards your goals and remain positive!”

Congratulations as you journey onwards and upwards Jada.

06/24/2023

We had a blast delivering at the Ohio Family Care Association 2023 conference.

We delivered an interactive and empowering workshop designed specifically for parents and workers to help students in foster care. Our team was able to provide guidance, support, and resources to navigate the college admissions process and foster success beyond high school.

We understand that transitioning from foster care to college and adulthood can present unique challenges, and our workshop aims to equip students with the necessary tools to overcome these obstacles and thrive in their educational journey and future endeavors.

03/01/2023

Apply at OhioGapClosers.com

03/01/2023

It’s time! We are proud to announce the Ray Porter Foster Care & Adoption Scholarship application window is open! Applications are due April 15th! More info can be found at ohiogapclosers.com

01/29/2023

Our mission is to improve the academic outcomes of youth in the child welfare system.

Your contribution helps us to close the academic achievement gap and positively impact outcomes within our communities for children in foster care.

You can support our mission and donate today at https://ohiogapclosers.com/ -gap or OhioGapClosers.com

01/29/2023

Your contribution supports our scholarships.
Your contribution helps us to close the academic achievement gap and positively impact outcomes within our communities for children in foster care.
You can support our scholarships today by donating at OhioGapClosers.com