REACH

Rotary Encouraging Academic Collegiate Help

In 2005, the Leawood Rotary Club developed the REACH program.  The purpose of REACH is to conduct a mentoring program that will help students at Bishop Ward High School realize their potential so that they can properly prepare for college; academically, financially and socially.  Mentors will provide a positive outside influence to help these students realize their collegiate goals in spite of any family, social, or economic hurdles they might be facing.

Mission:  Engaging high school students to raise their level of academic aspirations, understand the importance of current decisions, and becoming committed to serving the community. 

Design:  The REACH program was designed for Rotarians to mentor high school students and assist in college planning, preparation, application process, defining career, school selections, and raising social awareness. Although the students are selected by the school administration, it is an eligible program for motivated students regardless of skill level or economic status. 

Goal:  Through mentoring, the Rotarian will help to teach and empower these junior and senior high school students to set their sights on higher education. 

Need: College preparation and application can be an overwhelming process for a high school student. The REACH program provides an adult mentor so that these students receive an extra helpful guide through this endeavor as well as someone to hold them accountable for furthering their education and helping them to navigate in the right direction. 

Slogan: "Own it." This helps to encourage students to accept responsibility and set their sights higher, not settling for anything less than reaching their full potential. 

Commitment: REACH sessions take place once a month over the lunch hour during the academic school year at Bishop Ward High School or Donnelly College space. This is nine times during the school year.

Topics: REACH sessions allow a more in depth look into the college process for students. Some of the topics covered throughout the school year will include: 

• ACT sample testing
• Resume building
• Career discussions
• School searches
• Scholarship education
• Public presentations and interview skills
• Social issues