Documents

Get your school transcripts

Proof of what you finished, which employers and colleges both ask for.

What it is

An official record of the classes you took and the grades you got, sent by the school. An unofficial copy is often enough to start.

Why it matters

College applications, some jobs, the military and training programmes ask for it. If you moved schools while in care, your record may be split across several districts.

Who issues it

The school district, or the Ohio Department of Education for older records

What to have with you

Every school name and roughly the years you attended
Your date of birth and any name you were enrolled under
Photo ID if you have one

Cost and how long

Districts often provide transcripts free or for a small fee. Ask, because the fee is sometimes waived for former foster youth.

Start with the last school you attended

Call the main office and ask for the registrar or the guidance office. Say you need a copy of your transcript and that you were in foster care, because there are usually people whose job includes exactly this.

If you moved a lot, ask each district

Records do not always follow you. Your last school may only hold part of it, and the earlier districts hold the rest.

If you did not finish, that is not the end

A GED or an adult diploma programme gets you the same doors. Several in Northeast Ohio are free.

Education resources

This is information, not legal or financial advice, and rules and fees change. Bridge explains how to get these things and never holds, uploads or stores a document for you. If you get stuck, dial 211 and a person will help you work out the next step.