A Reflection ~ In Reach, Inc. Turns 25
December 1, 2024, marked the beginning of a major milestone - In Reach, Inc., turned 25 - and began celebrating years of preparing youth for college, work, and life. We are excited to share a special three-part reflection series that will take you behind the scenes of our growth, impact, and transformation.
Building Momentum: 1999 - 2012
In Reach, Inc. was founded in 1999 with a clear mission: to prepare adolescents
and older youth to reach their potential. But clarity of mission alone wasn’t enough, we needed momentum. And from 1999 to 2012, we found it.
These were the years when our programs began to take root in the community. We expanded our reach, deepened our relationships with schools and families, and built a reputation for being a trusted partner in youth development. Our work was grounded in mentorship, academic support, and leadership development—tools that helped children and youth and their families navigate their journeys with confidence.
So much happened during these years. I could never do it justice in this writing. Some highlights include releasing A Day In the Life of a Girl Living in Prince George’s County, Maryland (prepared by girls in its Girls Are Great/Girls Action Council Program); working former high school program participants on the introductory issue of the Life After High School newsletter; providing the first book scholarships to Youth Leadership Council students; partnering with Charles Carroll Middle School to implement The Quantum Project, an afterschool college awareness and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) career exploration program; and moving into our very first office space.
We saw the power of consistency. Week after week, our staff and volunteers showed up, listening, guiding, and celebrating every small win. We learned that transformation doesn’t happen overnight. It happens in the quiet moments: a student mastering a difficult concept, a teen discovering their voice, a parent finding hope in their child’s progress.
This era was also one of learning. We faced challenges, limited resources, shifting educational landscapes, and the growing complexity of youth needs. But each challenge taught us something valuable. We became more strategic, more resilient, and more committed to equity and access.
Looking back, these years were about building the scaffolding for everything that would come next. The momentum we gained during this time laid the foundation for our golden years, and for the reimagining that followed.
The Golden Years: 2013-2018
In our last message, we revisited the roots of In Reach during our Building Momentum years — now, let’s step into the era that truly set us apart: The Golden Years (2013–2018), a time when youth leadership soared, partnerships flourished, and impact reached new heights. This era was fire!
Our youth programs soared during this era, creating opportunities that touched every corner of our community. We saw record participation in college and career readiness workshops, family engagement initiatives, and leadership development activities. Through programs like Girls of Worth at William Paca Elementary, we empowered young girls to build confidence and character, while the Youth Ambassadors at Parkdale High School led outstanding community service projects that made a lasting impact. Our annual Celebrating Amazing Parents Awards, hosted in collaboration with former District 4 Council Member Ingrid Turner and Parks and Recreation, honored families who stood as pillars of support. Most importantly, we witnessed children, youth, and families thriving — children excelling in school, youth graduating and pursuing college dreams, families engaging in community life, and all stepping confidently toward brighter futures.
This era was also marked by the launch of our College and Career Ready 21st Century Community K-8 Learning Center and Family Academy, a multi-year federal grant program through the Maryland State Department of Education. There are so many pictures and videos from this era it would take weeks to go through them all. Our students and parents weren’t just participants; they were collaborators, creators, and advocates. Their voices shaped our programming, and their stories inspired our community.
Organizationally, we matured. Our systems became stronger, our staff more specialized, and our board more strategic. We earned recognition from partners and funders who saw the value of our work and the integrity of our approach. These years affirmed that our mission wasn’t just aspirational — it was achievable.
Looking back, the golden years were a celebration of everything we had built and a preview of what was possible. They gave us the confidence to dream bigger and step into the next chapter with purpose.
The Years of Rebranding: 2019-2025
As Executive Director of In Reach, Inc., I’ve had the privilege of guiding our organization through a transformative chapter—one defined by bold reimagining, deep listening, and renewed purpose. Coming out of the Golden Years (2013–2018), when our programs were thriving and our mission centered on preparing students for college, work, and life across K–12, we recognized that the world was changing—and so were the needs of young people.
Since 2019, we’ve embraced a rebranding journey that stayed true to our roots but sharpened our focus. We shifted from “preparing students for college, work, and life” to “preparing youth for college, work, and life,” refocusing on ages 16–24. This evolution reflects our commitment to meeting young people where they are as they navigate critical transitions into adulthood.
This era has been marked by the launch of three dynamic pillars: Learning and Literacy, Teens Talk Network, and Health & Wellbeing. These areas reflect our commitment to holistic youth development, where educational preparation, emotional well-being, and civic voice intersect. Within Teens Talk Network, we introduced the Student Creatives Journal — a space for youth to share their stories, art, and ideas — alongside Teens Talk TV, which amplifies their voices and connects them with peers across the region.
Our Spark Reading Initiative reignited a love for literacy, while our mental health programming opened doors to awareness and resilience. These innovations underscore our belief that thriving youth need more than academics — they need platforms for expression, tools for wellness, and opportunities to lead.
The rebranding years have also brought us to a milestone: 25 years of service and uplifting community. This anniversary is not just a celebration of longevity; it’s a testament to our adaptability, our community’s trust, and our unwavering belief in the potential of every young person.
As we look ahead, we remain rooted in our mission of preparing youth for college, work, and life — but we do so with fresh eyes, deeper partnerships, and a louder call to action. The journey continues — and it’s more vibrant than ever.
