Access to Education

Do Parents Enough Information about Saving for College?

Some intersting statistics about the overall knowledge that average parents have about college savings can be found by clicking here.

President Gee Praises Tally Hart for a Lifetime of Service to Students

"Ohio State’s Economic Access office, founded by the trailblazing higher education leader Tally Hart and staffed by dedicated individuals who share her passion to help students, is home base for our (college access) efforts.  Here, we recognize the hurdles that face first-generation and low-income students and find ways to help students and families overcome them." --E. Gordon Gee

Tally Hart, Senior Advisor and forward-thinking leader of the Economic Access Initiative at Ohio State, is retiring December 30, 2011, after a career dedicated to helping students reach their dreams of college.  Read what OSU President Gordon Gee has to say in honor of Tally by

Tally's plans for retirement?  Teaching a leadership course at OSU, writing a chapter in a book, continuing to lobby for federal legislation to increase college access, and many more projects!  To send Tally a thank-you message for her life-long service, wish her well in her retirement years, or ask her a question how to go to college, email economicaccess@osu.edu.  

Middle School Students Prepare for College

Blueprint 2.0, a college-readiness initiative supported by the Ohio State University and nonprofit I Know I Can, reaches out not only to the 11,000 middle schoolers in Columbus City School District but their parents, too, in an effort to prepare the students to for their collegiate careers and find the path to their dream job!  Read about Blueprint 2.0 and how to set your middle school student on the path to college!  Click here to view the article.  

Have a 9th or 10th grade student at home?  Click here to learn about Blueprint: College High School.

Access Advocate named Graduate Student of the Year!

The Robert F. Rodgers Graduate Student of the Year Award is presented annually by the Ohio College Personnel Association (OCPA).  On November 5, OCPA honored Ohio State student Jen Skidmore with this award in recognition of her dedication and unlimited energies as a full-time graduate student.

Jen is a second-year master's student at The Ohio State University in the Higher Education and Student Affairs graduate program, and received her Bachelors degree in Sociology from The University of Texas at Austin.  Jen's graduate assistantship is in the Student Wellness Center where she devotes many hours to educating OSU students about financial wellness.  Jen believes in increasing college access and often creates programming for first generation students on topics of financial wellness.  She has been a constant ally to the mission of the Economic Access Initiative and we are proud to call her our colleague. 

Congratulations Jen on your tremendous achievement!

Learn more about Jen's work on the Web and on Facebook and on Twitter!

Student Loan Debt: How Much Is Too Much?

Tally Hart, Senior Advisor for Economic Access at Ohio State, speaks with WOSU Public Radio's Ann Fisher about student loan debt.  Listen here for Tally's answers!

Looking for a Student Organization to get Involved on Campus?

Two new student groups are forming around access to education! Both of these groups are new this year and have many leadership opportunities--great for meeting new friends, enhancing your resume, and refining your leadership skills, all while getting your Buckeye spirit into gear!

Buckeyes for Appalachia

Ohio's Appalachian region is a diverse and unique region which has historically faced severe economic challenges. Many students from Appalachia are first-generation college students, and many are from small, rural communities. Students who are first-generation college students often face additional challenges adjusting to college life, as family does not share "what to expect" at college. This group will provide opportunities to have fun while give back to Appalachian communities through several means, including inspiring Appalachian middle and high school students to take the steps necessary to reach higher education. This group will also combat the negative stereotypes that exist about Appalachian communities by fun and effective outreach to the campus community. Students who are not from Appalachia but would like to participate are also welcome!  Email economicaccess@osu.edu for more information.

First Generation Students at Ohio State

As first generation college students, we strive to make the transition for high school students to college a smooth and informed experience. We will provide opportunities for our members to make their futures successful and therefore raise the retention for first generation students at The Ohio State University. Students who are not first-generation but want to participate are also welcome! Email economicaccess@osu.edu or click here for more information.

Columbus Dispatch features Tally Hart, Senior Advisor for the Economic Access Initiative

Read and watch a video clip about Tally’s incredible journey and how she helps students access higher education — even in the drive-thru at Burger King!  Read and watch about Tally’s experiences here: Tally's story

College Mentors for Kids News

Check out the video about CMFK and the Lemonade Stand project!

Idea Bank: Students Recruiting Students

Click here for an essay in the Chronicle of Higher Education by Tally Hart, Senior Advisor for the Economic Access Initiative, contending that current college students are our best ambassadors for higher education and can ably serve as access advocates.

Access Advocates Highlighted at Graduation

Longtime Economic Access volunteers Bryant Pottmeyer and Janet Soto-Rodriguez were put in the spotlight at Spring Quarter Commencement by Ohio State President Gordon Gee. Both Bryant and Janet have been remarkable for their commitment to letting young people know that college is possible with the right information and a solid plan. Read more about Janet, Bryant and other remarkable Buckeyes here.