NOTE: Although this is an archive site of the discontinued Orfalea Fund, as of 2018, REACH continues in a modified form. Students are accepted during their junior year in high school and remain in the program for 2.5 years, through their first year of post secondary education. Students begin the program by participating in a college tour road trip, and exploring California. During the school year, students participate in programming focused on skill building opportunities in education, career exploration, personal development, financial literacy, and community involvement. After the first year in the program, students go backpacking in the sierras, rock climbing in Joshua Tree National Park, and complete their fellowship with a 20-day trip to Ecuador. For more information about the program, and how to apply, please visit the REACH Website: www.REACHFellowship.org.)

Students are accepted during their sophomore year in high school and remain in the program for 4 years, generally through their second year of post secondary education. Students begin their program by participating in a summer of outdoor adventure education full of activities such as hiking, backpacking, rock climbing or canoeing. Then, during the school year, students participate in programming that focuses on skill building opportunities in high school and post secondary education, career exploration, outdoor adventure education, personal development, food and financial literacy, and community involvement. View or download the REACH summary flyer.

By participating in this program, students commit to themselves, their families and REACH that they are willing to put in the time and energy to explore their potential and strive to achieve their goals.

Applications are available each fall for low-income high school sophomores from Santa Barbara County. The deadline for application submission takes place each January.