September 26, 2024

School is back in session and our scholars are navigating new campuses, routines, and opportunities. In this edition of our newsletter, find programming highlights from June through September, a feature on a REACH Prep alumna from Cohort 20, and a reminder about our admission season.

Remember to follow @reach_prep on Instagram for program and event information throughout the year!

In early August, members of Cohort 30 crossed the stage at Prep Academy Commencement, hosted on Sacred Heart Greenwich's campus, and were recognized for completing 15 months of rigorous academic classes. These students have started at their new independent schools and will continue to receive support from our Director of Middle School Programming. We are proud of their dedication and look forward to seeing their continued growth in middle school!

While Cohort 30 settles into their new routines, Cohort 31 resumed Saturday Prep Academy classes this month. They have three more semesters until their Commencement next August!

Checking in with the Middle Schoolers

Over the summer, eighth graders attended a Transition to High School workshop with a panel led by our high school scholars! The workshop provided valuable insights into what to expect as they prepare for ninth grade, offering guidance on expectations, self-advocacy, and academic and social success.

The Director of Middle School programming, Nupsie-flore Exantus, has also been working with the recent Prep Academy graduates. She met with each new fifth and sixth-grade student individually on Zoom, and they shared updates on their new campuses, other students, clubs they joined, everyone's favorite topic- the delicious cafeteria food, as well as their goals for the year. Fifth and sixth-grade students also participated in a recent time-management and organization workshop to help them develop the skills needed to meet their goals. This support will continue as Nupsie begins campus visits to meet with middle school students and faculty on-site at our partner schools.

Summer Opportunity in Japan

Scholars of all ages participate in summer opportunities that provide unique learning experiences. This summer, Justin from Cohort 24, a senior at Rye Country Day School, embraced Japan's rich culture with the Student Diplomacy Corps' Taiko Drumming program. He pounded Taiko drums, explored serene forests, and immersed himself in Ainu music, all while connecting deeply with Japan's vibrant traditions and community. 

Justin reflected on the month-long experience and shared, "The Student Diplomacy Corps was truly life-changing. All the amazingly talented students from across the country and I came together to become student diplomats and truly immerse ourselves in an unfamiliar culture. The art of taiko drumming brought us to many different communities and allowed us to interact and share ideas with people we may not have otherwise. Living in another country helped me understand how in any region of the world, there are always creative and thought-provoking ways that we can better learn about one another."

We are thrilled that Justin could spend part of his summer participating in this influential program!

College Students Explore Internships

REACH Prep college scholars completed internships at a multitude of organizations this summer. Through our direct partnerships, 18 students applied, interviewed, and were placed in competitive positions.

Internships with our corporate partners included four scholars at Union Capital, four Prep Academy Advisors, and one student at the Tory Burch Foundation, among other roles at companies such as Atlas Holdings, CBRE, Freepoint Commodities, Finn Dixon & Herling, Girls Who Invest, ITT Inc, Positive Sum, Stamford Mayor's Office, and Vogo.

Alumna Spotlight: Chelsea Usiomwanta

Chelsea Usiomwanta from Cohort 20 graduated from Fordham University in May and was selected to be one of the keynote speakers at Fordham University's Black Graduation ceremony, hosted by the Office of Multicultural Affairs.

In her speech, she reflected on her roles as president of the Caribbean African Student Association and the Vice President of Curl Talk. Chelsea spoke about club accomplishments that she helped oversee and explained how her involvement in student organizations on campus made her time at Fordham more fruitful.

Following graduation, Chelsea began the process of landing her first full-time job. In the summer of 2023, she interned at CBRE, and we are proud to announce that after an intense application and interview process, Chelsea rejoined the CBRE team, this time as a Client Service Coordinator. We look forward to seeing Chelsea's growth and success as her career unfolds.

Chelsea recently shared her gratitude for REACH Prep's program in honor of our 30th anniversary. She said, "Thank you for your consistent efforts in making sure I had the best summer, internship, and work opportunities. As I transition into adulthood, REACH Prep continues to be a safe space and resource where I always know I'm getting the best."

We are proud to serve as a resource and lifelong community for our alumni!

Do you know a bright fourth-grade student who would thrive in the REACH Prep program? The admission season is just getting started. Make sure to visit our website to review the eligibility requirements for the program, and ensure you don't miss any important communication about the application process.

When you become a REACH Prep Scholar, you gain a lifelong community!

Reach out to Marc Saracino at msaracino@reachprep.org with questions.

We are excited to celebrate 30 years of impact at our Anniversary Gala! Thank you to our Gala Co-Chairs and Committee for their hard work and leadership!



Co-Chairs: Sahara Lake, Linda & Bill Ogden, Kathryn Shaw, Amanda Wilson

The gala is sold out, but you can still support our program through underwriting opportunities, selecting a sponsorship, or with a donation in lieu of attendance.

Click here for the gala website.

Questions?

Contact Jill Tucker at jtucker@reachprep.org

Additional Opportunities to Support REACH Prep

As we celebrate the 30^th anniversary of REACH Prep, we are excited to provide an opportunity for donors, companies, and foundations to have a lasting impact on the organization. This special gift initiative is the 30 for 30 Campaign, with 30 funders gifting $30,000 in honor of our three decades of empowering leaders. We are excited and proud to be halfway to our goal!

If you would like to learn more, please contact REACH Prep's CEO, Becky Reiser, or Director of Development, Jill Tucker.

If you would like to provide direct emergency support to students and families with immediate needs, please visit the links below:

Lucy

Blake

Matt

Daniel

Rebecca

Neighborshare partners with nonprofit organizations that identify critical needs in their communities. Donors fund these specific needs, the funds are transferred to the nonprofit partners, and they deliver funding directly to the neighbors in need.

REACH Prep has been a Neighborshare partner since the beginning of 2024.

Online Shopping Event

September 1 - November 1, 2024

Code: REACH20

Receive a 20% discount on full-priced collections, and 15% of your purchase will support REACH Prep.

Cara Cara NYC