No. Thanks to our generous donors, we are able to provide the students with all the resources, workshops, and expeditions for free to our Fellows.

We look for motivated low-income students in their junior year who are on the path to higher education, whether that means a two-year, four-year, or vocational school.

The program is two and a half years long. You are expected to commit 1-2 weekend days a month and 1-3 weeks during the summer, depending on the trip you are on. During the first summer with us, we take you on a college tour (6 days). During the second summer, we lead you on a backpacking trip (8-10 days). During your third and final summer with us, we take you on a culminating trip (2-3 weeks).

We expect all admitted students to commit to the WHOLE duration of the program.

No. While our office is in downtown Santa Barbara, we serve all Santa Barbara County students from Carpinteria to Guadalupe and all the cities in between.

YES! To get the whole REACH experience, you must participate in all the activities. It is a fun way to learn new things, meet new people, and create relationships with other Fellows and the Staff.

No. We provide all the necessary gear, like sleeping bags, tents, food, and clothing to keep you warm. You should expect to bring personal items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, sunglasses, and sunscreen. 

First, you apply to the program by submitting an online application through the website. We will review applications and invite interested students to an interview. Second, our staff interviews you at your high school. If selected, you will receive an email with the next steps. Lastly, you must attend our orientation and decide before or after if you can commit. We appreciate when students let us know in advance that they cannot participate because it allows us to select another student.

Our application becomes available on September 1 and has a deadline of October 15. Interviews occur in early November; you will receive an email with our decision in mid-November. Parent orientation and Student orientation take place in late November/early December.