REACHing Students for a Life of Success

The REACH Fellowship is dedicated to serving low-income, first-generation high school students in Santa Barbara County. It combines traditional college prep workshops with nature-based learning to build a foundation for a successful life after high school, and it has proven to be massively effective.

“We provide a holistic approach for the student,” says Executive Director Raúl Aguilera. “We don’t just prepare students for college; we prepare them for life. We do this by providing academic readiness, outdoor education, and personal development workshops which foster growth, resilience, and confidence beyond the classroom.”

REACH integrates outdoor experiential education as a powerful tool for fostering students’ personal growth. “The outdoor trips challenge students to overcome obstacles with expert mentorship. These trips provide a rare opportunity to confront internal barriers that have inhibited individual growth. Students face mountains they doubt they can climb, work through their anxiety, and ultimately reach the peak – leaving them with the realization that they are capable of more than they ever imagined, which then encourages them to reach new heights,” says Aguilera.

During the latter half of high school and the first year post-high school, the students have workshops ranging from financial literacy and nutrition to academic prep. The experience is rounded out with college trips and multi-day camping expeditions, all designed to help students level up their life skills and better prepare for their future. The proof of its success is in its numbers, with 95% of its participants pursuing higher education.

Aguilera knows firsthand how programs like REACH can leave a long-lasting impact later in life. Aguilera was a first-generation student who participated in the REACH program. Now, in a leadership position at the organization that supported him, he pays forward the guidance and support that was so empowering for him as a young man.

“Most students end up coming back to where they grew up. They become active community members, whether that means joining the workforce, volunteering, or giving philanthropically. We’re investing in our students now because they will become valuable contributors to the community when they return,” says Aguilera.

Community is the core of REACH, and the staff provides workshops and support to students and their parents. A partnership with Montecito Bank & Trust helps students begin their savings journey by opening savings accounts with funds gifted to them from the program. It’s a reminder to the students and their families that there is a community around them that supports them and is there to help them build a foundation for success. REACH also provides students with scholarships for orthodontics to cover a portion of the cost. A confident smile can open doors in personal and professional settings by boosting self-esteem.