The REACH Program University School’s REACH Program is a five-week, tuition-free summer enrichment program for academically talented African-American middle school boys from Greater Cleveland. Students are chosen for the program at the end of their fifth grade year and remain enrolled for three summers.
Our Mission To help African American middle school boys of promise from Greater Cleveland become lifelong learners who will contribute productively to the world they inherit and to recruit and influence college undergraduates. with an emphasis on minorities, to choose a career in education as a result of their experiences teaching in the REACH Program.
My son’s enthusiasm for the ninth grade program has been overwhelming. Each day brings new information and enlightenment for him. He has learned to be a critical thinker with the help of the REACH Program and he now embraces the challenges of a rigorous curriculum. – REACH parent
Curriculum & Typical Day The REACH curriculum is rigorous and innovative. Class sizes are small (between 8-12 students). Students have meaningful interactions with their teachers, and students are provided with hands-on learning opportunities.
Core Classes After the daily morning assembly the students proceed to their hour-long core classes. Core classes provide an early introduction to higher-level concepts in English, Math and Science. Elective Classes For the afternoon, each REACH student selects two elective courses, which are forty-five minutes in length. These classes are highly creative and vibrant learning experiences designed and taught by members of the college faculty.
Recreation The final activity of each day is an hour-long recreation period. Students are given a choice of sports and recreation activities in which to participate. Students compete and learn lessons about sportsmanship and teamwork. Faculty members monitor these activities. Field Trips To reinforce concepts studied in class, REACH students extend their learning through interesting trips and service projects. The annual 8th grade trip to Washington, D.C. is a much anticipated activity for the graduating students.
Being in the REACH Program was an excellent experience. I enjoyed speaking in front of all the REACH students at assembly, the elective classes were extremely fun this year, and as always, I really enjoyed the sports, with swimming being my favorite. Going to the REACH Program helped me with school. When the school year started, I felt mentally prepared. At REACH, we have been taught to be leaders and we have been shown how to always strive for excellence. I truly love the REACH Program. – REACH student
Follow-Up Activities Students demonstrate continued dedication to their work and to the program by participating in ongoing activities throughout the traditional school year. These activities enhance relationships and the sense of community that is created during the summer months. Great Expectations Great expectations is a panel discussion series that is designed to introduce students to a diversity of career options. African-American males representing many diferent professions address the students about their personal paths to success.
College Preparation REACH also offers ongoing college guidance for alumni beginning in their junior year of high school. College workshops are held to discuss the application process and financial aid. University School faculty members help to facilitate SAT/ACT practice sessions.
Saturday Activities In addition, we remain in contact with our students through Saturday Activities, which are held throughout the year. These activities include workshops and training for skill development, as well as service projects and recreation for community building.
REACH Prep REACH Prep is a half-day, five-week summer program for rising ninth grade REACH alumni. Its goal is to further prepare students for high school and help students develop as future leaders. The program focuses on enhancing students’ reading and writing skills and increasing students’ understanding of concepts related to science, engineering, technology and mathematics.
Funding Support The support of the University School community has been and continues to be vital for the REACH Program to thrive and grow. Many other foundations and individuals have also generously contributed over the years. REACH is most appreciative of all the foundations, corporations, individuals and University School alumni who have been supportive of the program since it began: Abington Foundation APCOA Corporation British Petroleum Corporation The Britton Fund The Cleveland Foundation The East Ohio Gas Company
The Ford Motor Company Forest City Enterprises The George Gund Foundation Key Foundation Martha Holden-Jennings Foundation McDonald and Company
Peter Lewis Philanthropies Salomon Smith Barney/Travelers Foundation The Treu-Mart Fund The TRW Corporation The Thomas White Foundation University School Alumni Association
We know what we do at REACH is effective because of the change instilled in the boys. Every boy takes different things from REACH. Some are specific for certain courses, like solving certain types of problems in math or an improvement in grammar in English class. Other boys take away values such as dedication, hard work, and time management. Either way, these developments are noticeable after working diligently with the boys for five weeks. – REACH college teacher
For information or to apply: REACH Program, University School 20701 Brantley Road Shaker Heights, Ohio 44122 216.321.8260 x8394 www.us.edu/reach