Join REACH and unlock your potential to REACH New Heights!

REACH provides transformative support and development opportunities to first-generation students as they navigate the transition from high school to postsecondary education and other opportunities. We offer a unique blend of programming focused on academic and career preparation, outdoor education, and personal development while helping students cultivate their leadership skills, foster meaningful relationships, and engage in experiences essential for their path from school to a fulfilling career.

We proudly serve the entire Santa Barbara County.

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Over 610 alumni

55

Students per cohort

135+

Current fellows

610+

Alumni network

90%

Graduation rate

REACH

Resilience, Education, Adventure, Community, and Health

With us, it's not just about getting to college; it's about thriving throughout the entire journey and beyond. By engaging participants in academic and personal development activities, building outdoor skills and resilience, and providing direct mentorship, we develop graduates who will not only advance in their careers but also exhibit leadership skills and contribute positively to their communities.

Highlights
- We are a 2 ½ year experiential program that supports Fellows through critical transitional phases.
- Completely free for students and their families.
- Designed to develop a well-rounded individual.
- Over 40 courses, trips, and workshops.

Trips and Workshops
- A 6-day Immersive College Tour Trip (Junior Year)
- An 8-day Backpacking Trip (Senior Year)
- An 18-day International/Domestic Trip (1st Year in College)
- 5 Overnight Trips
- Over 30 workshops on College and Career Preparation and Personal Development.
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College and Career Preparation

We help create and sustain a pathway to post-secondary success. This includes comprehensive support for college readiness, SAT preparation, college tours, application assistance, and financial aid workshops. Students receive direct coaching as they finalize their postsecondary plans and prepare for their successful transition out of high school.

Personal Development

Personal development and leadership are also woven into the program's fabric, with activities ranging from health and wellness sessions to financial literacy serie. Whether it’s a direct path into four-year college, or an alternative pathway to postsecondary attainment, students at REACH move confidently into the future, understanding their options and choosing the direction that’s right for them.

Outdoor Education

The outdoor education component immerses participants in tech-free experiences, fostering a sense of adventure, mindfulness practices, fundamental environmental practices, peer support, and adaptability to many conditions. Participants learn wilderness skills and participate in several overnight camping/backpacking events, including a culminating trip as a capstone of their time in the program. Through these activities, they develop greater confidence in their ability to overcome both physical and mental challenges as a team.

Community Support

Participants spend 2.5 years together as a group, learning, collaborating, and developing. A dedicated staff team provides programming that invites participants to work together and build connections. Partnerships with community-based organizations and the involvement of volunteers ensure a rich tapestry of support for all program participants. The journey develops enduring bonds and unwavering support that define the transformative experience that participants will carry forward.

Health and Wellness

We provide students with comprehensive resources to promote their mental and physical well-being, offering courses in nutrition, cooking, mindfulness, and essential life skills. Additionally, eligible REACH students have the opportunity to receive free orthodontic care.

Mentorship

We support REACH Fellows from the moment they step onto the high-ropes course until program completion during the first year of college. We continue to stand behind REACH alumni with support and guidance even after they graduate and go on to successful careers.

What our students say

Brian Nguyen

"REACH has helped break my social shell and has helped me make amazing new connections inside and even outside the program. You may be out of your comfort zone at times, but it's with those moments that I found great possibilities and new doors that open up, and I can't thank REACH enough for providing the keys to unlock them."

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

Andres Ramirez-Enriquez

"REACH has been a helpful program because it has exposed me to experiences that I otherwise wouldn't have had. It has truly pushed me to my limit in both the aspects of academia and the aspect of lifestyle. It has encouraged me to adopt good habits and continues to set me up on a path to success. The resources that REACH provided for me were better than those of any other college preparatory program. I am glad to say that those resources benefitted me and helped me reach the place that I now call home.

Harvard University

Yusra Diaz

"The support that REACH offers is unlike any other, whether it is help with college applications, overcoming a fear of heights through a ropes course, or even personal support from other REACHers around a camp fire. REACH has given me many adventurous and exciting memories that I will cherish forever"

Santa Barbara City College

Dacia Romero Acosta

"REACH has been nothing but abundant blessings to me and my family. While being a part of the program, I have become a better scholar, adventurer, and person overall and the experiences have taught me so much and have allowed me to strengthen my body, heart, and mind. I am also extremely grateful for the staff as they aren’t only instructors and mentors, but most importantly, they are your friends; they genuinely care about you and want you to succeed in life, which is why they do what they do in order to achieve that with you. This program has taught me so many life lessons that I will treasure for the rest of my life and hope to one day be able to share with future generations."

Westmont College

Deisy Ruiz

"The REACH program was my unparalleled support system that provided invaluable mentorship, guidance, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. It not only equipped me with the knowledge to succeed in higher education but also changed the trajectory of my life. The REACH team and cohort became a second family, fostering a strong community that transcended graduation. I forged lasting connections and learned the importance of occupying spaces not traditionally meant for someone like me. REACH taught me resilience, motivating me to climb mountains, kayak through lakes, scuba dive in the Caribbean and much more. REACH's impact extends beyond graduation, fostering a profound connection with nature and oneself."

University of California Santa Barbara

College and Career Preparation

We are dedicated to ensuring first-generation students are not only prepared for college but also equipped to succeed in their careers. Through personalized academic support, hands-on career exploration, and mentorship, we guide students through every step of their journey—from navigating college applications and securing financial aid to developing essential career skills. Our programming includes SAT preparation, college counseling, financial literacy workshops, and campus visits, helping students make informed decisions about their education. Meanwhile, our programming for career preparation includes resumé-development workshops, networking events, and professional skill-building to bridge the gap between education and meaningful employment. By fostering resilience, leadership, and real-world preparedness, we empower students to pursue their aspirations with confidence, ultimately strengthening our communities for generations to come.

Outdoor Experiences

We take students beyond the classroom and into nature to foster resilience, connection, and personal growth. Through outdoor adventures, students develop confidence, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while engaging in activities like hiking, camping, and backpacking. These experiences strengthen social-emotional learning, teaching students how to navigate challenges and build perseverance. Nature immersion also promotes mental well-being, reduces stress, and inspires a deeper connection to the environment. By learning basic outdoor skills, students gain independence and a sense of accomplishment. More than just an adventure, our outdoor programs create lasting lessons in leadership, self-discovery, and community.

Everything you need to make your 9-5 transition seamless.

We use the latest technologies and tools to ensure that our solutions are scalable, efficient, and secure. Our team follows agile methodologies.

400+ hours of video content

1-on-1 weekly calls

Access to our community

Downloadable content

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Comprehensive Development

Success goes beyond academics—personal development is just as essential. Our programs equip students with critical life skills like financial literacy, cooking, nutrition, leadership, and self-advocacy. Through hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world experiences, students gain the confidence to navigate adulthood with independence. We teach practical skills that promote healthy living, responsible decision-making, and effective communication. By fostering resilience and leadership, we empower students to take charge of their futures and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Mentorship for a Lifetime

Mentorship is at the heart of our work, providing students with the guidance, encouragement, and support they need to thrive. Our mentors help students navigate academic challenges, career decisions, and personal growth, offering real-world advice and connections. Through meaningful relationships, students gain confidence, develop leadership skills, and build a strong support network. Mentorship fosters resilience, broadens opportunities, and ensures that no student has to navigate their journey alone. By investing in mentorship, we empower students to dream bigger, achieve their goals, and become leaders in their communities.

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Leave the 9-5 system by joining one of our carefully designed courses.

Our team follows agile methodologies to deliver projects on time and on budget, while maintaining the highest standards of quality and user experience.

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Meet your teachers

Our team follows agile methodologies to design courses.

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Your support makes an impact

Your contribution enables us to provide our Fellows with the necessary tools and resources, ensuring access to postsecondary education and equitable opportunities to experience the outdoors.

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Support a program with over 610 alumni students and growing!

Instructor teaching students how to start a fire at a overnight camping trip

Join REACH and unlock your potential to REACH New Heights!

55

135+

610+

90%