Ohio Appalachian Center for Higher Education

The Ohio Appalachian Center for Higher Education (OACHE) is a non-profit organization based in Portsmouth, Ohio. Established in 1993, the organization employs 10 people. The OACHE partners with public higher education institutions and K-12 schools in 29 Appalachian counties. Its mission is to increase college-going rates in the region, which historically has lagged behind the national average. The organization strives to achieve this goal by uniting colleges, universities, K-12 schools, and the private sector to provide resources and support to prospective college students. Driven by a desire to address barriers to college participation, the OACHE focuses on providing information and preparation to overcome perceived obstacles. Their efforts stem from a 1992 study titled "Appalachian Access and Success" commissioned by the Ohio Board of Regents, which identified low self-esteem, poverty, and lack of information as significant factors contributing to the lower college-going rate in the region. For further information, visit oache.org.