In Reach prepares students for college, work and life by creating programs that support academics, build life skills, and expose students to a variety of opportunities to expand their horizons. Oftentimes, young people work with In Reach staff side-by-side to plan, organize and implement change in their schools, communities and daily lives.

Currently, In Reach offers two school-based programs for students.

Our newest program, the Youth Ambassadors of Parkdale High School in Riverdale, Maryland, has a two-fold purpose: to provide students with opportunities to build life skills, prepare for college and the workforce, and engage in meaningful service learning projects; and to provide guidance and support to students in identifying and implementing constructive solutions to the issues that directly impact them. In Reach believes that young people have the best insight into their issues and when provided with the right supports, can identify, communicate, and problem solve to help implement the most appropriate solutions.

The Youth Ambassadors have been awarded a grant through the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, under the Maryland Youth Movement Against Tobacco - Advocacy and Activism Initiative, to implement their first service learning project promoting tobacco use prevention and cessation among Prince George's County youth. The Youth Ambassadors also received a special appropriation grant from Council Member Eric Olson (3rd District) to support their initiatives.

In Reach enjoys an outstanding partnership with Charles Carroll Middle School (CCMS) currently implementing the College and Career Project, a college awareness and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) career exploration program that engages the entire Charles Carroll Middle School (CCMS) community - parents, teachers, and students.

The CCMS College and Career Project includes a series of parent workshops that focus on preparing families and students for college, professional development activities for teachers, a parent summit to be held in May 2010, and The Quantum Project, the after school component for students.

The Quantum Project engages students in hands-on weekly activities that include completing web-based exercises on www.bewhatiwanttobe.com (a web resource for Maryland middle and high school students), and developing positive youth development skills such as team building, problem solving, and public speaking. It also features speakers, field trips and a two-week summer program that exposes students to college campuses, museums, and endless learning opportunities.

A new program for students of Charles Carroll Middle School, the goal of The Quantum Project Heroes Program is to prepare, empower, and energize students to be active advocates in their learning and their communities. Activities include "Your Voice" which gives students the opportunities to initiative and engage in conversations about topics of their choice, team building activities, service learning projects and serving as mentors to the 2010 Quantum Project students.

Students of the 2009 Quantum Project serve as the programs first leaders.

If you know a student attending Charles Carroll Middle or Parkdale High Schools and you would like for him/her to be involved in either program, please contact inreachcares@inreachinc.org or call 301.789.7250.

During the summer of 2009, In Reach partnered with the Prince George's County Department of Parks and Recreation to offer support during the Safe Summer Extended Hours Program. Offered at more than 25 facilities, six days a week until midnight, In Reach engaged participants at the William Wirt Middle School site in learning, practicing, and perfecting the fine art of jumping rope while sharing information, promoting exercise and having a great time!

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