SJSA News | June 9, 2020
24th Annual REACH Youth Scholarship to Air on NBC Sports Bay Area
Ask a coach or teacher how long they've been in their profession, and they might say, "one year...20 times over.” On the pitch and in the classroom, no two years are ever the same; new groups bring new personalities, learning curves, and energy that make each go-around unique.

2020 has been especially distinct. At first, we had to move our 24th annual REACH Youth Scholarship Awards ceremony online due to COVID-19. But circumstances have changed for the better, and the virus won’t be what stands out as we celebrate this special class of high school student-athletes.

We’re thrilled to announce that for the first time, the REACH Awards will be broadcast on television ! 

Tune in June 23rd to NBC Sports Bay Area at 5 p.m. PT to this special event, hosted by Robert Braunstein from the 49ers Cal-Hi Sports Report and our co-chairs, former San Francisco 49er and NFL Hall of Fame Safety, Ronnie Lott and two-time FIFA World Cup Champion, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, Brandi Chastain.

  Made possible by the following:

  • Generous donation of air-time by NBC Sports Bay Area 
  • Robert Braunstein, producer and host extraordinaire 
  • Ronnie Lott and Brandi Chastain
  • Our selection committee
  • Our amazing sponsors, including Qualcomm, Heritage Bank, Berliner Cohen, and San Jose Marriott
 
How you can get involved:

  • Watch! See below for a complete Bay Area channel listing from cable providers.
  • Tell any educators and high school students you know about the show so that they watch and/or apply for future scholarship awards (especially if they're from Santa Clara County).
  • Contribute to the REACH scholarship fund. Help us keep this amazing program going strong by donating through our Give Butter platform.
NBC Sports Bay Area Channel Guide
About the REACH Scholarship Program

REACH is an acronym for “ R ecognizing E xcellence, A dversity, C ourage and H ard
work.” Now in its 24 th year, the REACH Youth Scholarship Program provides college funds to high school seniors from Santa Clara County who have overcome adversity to excel in the classroom and on the playing field.

The recipients come from all backgrounds and situations. Some students are battling cancer or coping with the loss of a loved one, while others are learning to live with the aftereffects of severe trauma. No two stories are alike, but they share an underlying message: sports can be a source of strength and support in challenging times. 
Meet Devyn, 2019 REACH Youth Scholarship Recipient
Devyn was awarded a REACH Youth Scholarship in 2019 and is currently in her first year at UC Berkeley. She is pictured above with Honorary Co-Chairs and long-time REACH supporters Ronnie Lott and Brandi Chastain. Here’s what she said about the program:

"REACH gave me the platform not only to share my own story but also to stand for countless other survivors of sexual abuse. The scholarship was a blessing that alleviated the weight of guilt and silence that had burdened my life for many years, too.

Being one of the scholarship recipients from my community also allowed me to demonstrate how those of us from East San Jose rise from concrete. REACH recognizes the adversity student-athletes may face as well as the grit and resilience it takes to come out thriving. 

I am forever grateful to all the people associated with REACH who supported me through one of the most terrifying journeys in my life. Now that I am at Cal, I have a greater appreciation for the efforts of the REACH program and how it makes a difference in higher education for students like myself. I will carry my life-changing experience with REACH forever!"

Additional testimonials and details about REACH are available on the SJSA website: www.sjsa.org/reach
The San Jose Sports Authority is a non-profit organization whose mission is to increase the City of San Jose’s economic development, visibility and civic pride through sports.
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