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.

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

The REACH program begins during junior year in high school, during which students participate in a series of workshops varying from college and career planning, to nutrition literacy and financial literacy. During the summer, students embark on a six-day immersive college tour trip in various areas in California. They stay in dorms, dine in the dining commons, and get a taste of college life before they start applying to schools. During senior year, we help students navigate the college and financial aid application process to ensure that students are making well-informed decisions. During the final year of the REACH program, our Fellows are provided workshops to continue foster their personal growth and development, regardless of what path they took post high school.

A 2 ½ year experiential program that supports Fellows through critical transitional phases.

Program designed to develop a well rounded individual

Over 40 courses, trips, and workshops

Outdoor Education to Connect with Nature

REACH Fellows embark on outdoor adventures to get a deeper connection with nature. The first year, Junior Fellows challenge themselves with a high-ropes course plus other outdoor activities. Senior Fellows enjoy hiking and camping to prepare them for an eight-day backpacking trip to Sierra Nevada. During the first year post-high school, students go on a rock-climbing trip in Joshua Tree National Park and embark on an 18-day immersive trip to Lake Superior or Bolivia during the summer to celebrate their accomplishments. REACH Alumni have traveled to various destinations around the globe, including California, Colorado, Montana, Ecuador, the Bahamas, and Bolivia.

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400+ hours of video content

1-on-1 weekly calls

Access to our community

Downloadable content

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Comprehensive Development

REACH takes a holistic approach to supporting first-generation students by addressing both their academic and personal development needs. Through a blend of academic preparation, personal growth workshops, and outdoor education, students are equipped with the tools they need to succeed in school and in life. REACH offers resources like college readiness programs, leadership development, and life skills training, fostering resilience and confidence. By creating a supportive environment, REACH empowers students to thrive, not just academically but in every aspect of their lives.

The REACH program offers more than 40 courses, trips, and workshops.

Mentorship for a Lifetime

REACH emphasizes the importance of mentorship in guiding first-generation students toward success. Through personalized mentorship, students receive one-on-one support, helping them navigate the challenges of academic life, career planning, and personal growth. Staff offer guidance in areas like college readiness, leadership development, and life skills, creating a foundation for long-term success. By fostering meaningful relationships, REACH ensures that students have the encouragement and support they need to thrive both academically and personally.

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Join REACH and unlock your potential to REACH new heights!

55

135+

610+

90%