House committee hears overview of education and workforce supports for foster youth; $7.1 million in career‑planning grants announced

The Ohio House Workforce and Higher Education Committee heard Tuesday from Steve Dakin, director of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, who reviewed state and federal protections for K–12 students in foster care and described new state grants for career planning aimed at improving workforce outcomes for foster youth.

Dakin told committee members that Ohio public schools reported serving just over 14,000 students in foster care in the 2024–25 school year and outlined how federal and state rules are intended to protect educational continuity for those students. “Each student should see the relevance of his or her learning, be exposed to practical, real world work settings, and begin to define his or her future,” Dakin said.

The department highlighted the role of mandated local Foster Care Education Liaisons, staff members each district or community school must designate to coordinate with child‑welfare agencies, ensure proper identification of students in state data systems and facilitate enrollment, transfers and transportation when a change of placement occurs. Dakin said the department also maintains a foster‑care point of contact to support local districts and…