REACH Memphis FAQ
Prospective Student and Parent Questions
Why is REACH Memphis important?
REACH Memphis stands by you during the four most critical years of your educational experience.
YEAR 1 (Sophomore Year)
The first year concentrates on preparing you for your first academic summer program.
YEARS 2-3 (Junior and Senior Years)
The next two years provide additional experiences focused on
YEAR 4 (Freshman in College)
During the fourth year, REACH Memphis supports your transition to college life. We help you to discover and take advantage of resources available on your college campus, connect you to REACH Memphis alums attending your college and help you navigate your new environment.
Each step along the way REACH Memphis offers academic support and personal growth experiences to broaden your understanding of self, leadership and community.
Throughout your journey, you will become part of a family of mentors, volunteers, alums and staff who dedicate themselves to helping you achieve your college goals. These relationships last into career and beyond.
Is there a cost associated with participating in REACH Memphis?
There is no cost for the counseling services, ACT prep and other activities that REACH Memphis provides. There are some costs that you will incur, and they vary by summer program. Many of our partnering institutions offer scholarships if certain criteria are met. REACH Memphis has no final authority on these scholarships, but we work closely with the institutions to submit applications with the best opportunities for scholarships. We will talk with parents about any costs affiliated with the summer program. REACH Memphis also offers assistance based on financial need and availability of funds.
Why a summer experience?
Our students consistently say they have improvements in taking and passing college-level courses, study skills, time management, living independently, confidence, self awareness, prioritizing, conflict resolution, and understanding diversity.
Participating in new experiences your sophmore year, prepares you well for independence and success in college. You may compete with students from throughout the world, developing life-long friendships in the process. REACH Memphis will be there every step of the way to help you prepare for your Summer experience.
For more information about Summer Experience, click here.
What summer program will I attend?
Starting in January your sophmore year, you will be matched with a summer program best suited to your interests. REACH Memphis works closely with the summer programs to ensure that you meet the qualifications and to assist you with the program’s application. You will be typically notified of your acceptance between March and May.
Am I required to do anything before I go to my summer experience?
During orientation, you will receive detailed information outlining mandatory meetings and activities. You are REQUIRED to attend these sessions. Note that some sessions may need a parent/guardian to attend.
What happens if I miss a mandatory meeting?
Taking responsibility for your actions is an important part of being prepared for college. You were chosen from hundreds of students who applied to REACH Memphis. You owe it to both yourself and the organization to be accountable for your participation. Unapproved absences may lead to removal from the program.
What happens when I return from my summer experience?
As your REACH Memphis journey continues, you are required to:
How will my REACH Memphis mentor help me?
Mentors are professionals who volunteer their time to help you get ready for your summer experience and support you as you prepare for college. You will learn about our mentors during orientation.
How does REACH Memphis support me?
REACH Memphis helps you throughout your high school experience as you prepare for college. We help you to
I am interested, what do I do now?
Join us for one of our interest meetings on September 10th and 11th of 2019.
Returning Student and Parent Questions
What happens when I return from my summer experience?
As your REACH Memphis journey continues, you are required to:
What types of activities will I participate in?
Each year, REACH Memphis offers academic support and personal growth experiences to broaden your understanding of self, leadership and community.
You’ll engage in many different programs and activities to prepare you for the transition to college. These include interactive team-building, project based programs, exploratory experiences, community service projects and more.
YEARS 2-3 (Junior and Senior Year)
The next two years provide additional experiences focused on
YEAR 4 (Freshman in College)
During the fourth year, REACH Memphis supports your transition to college life. We help you to discover and take advantage of resources available on your college campus, connect you to REACH Memphis alums attending your college and help you navigate your new environment.
How will my REACH Memphis mentor help me?
Mentors are professionals who volunteer their time to help you get ready for your summer experience and support you as you prepare for college. You will learn about our mentors during orientation.
How does REACH Memphis support me?
REACH Memphis helps you throughout your high school experience as you prepare for college. We help you to
Why ACT prep?
Facts to know:
-the average ACT score in Tennessee is 19.9
-the number of students receiving a perfect ACT score of 36 has doubled nationwide since 2015
-some students pay as much as $1700 to receive test prep services similar to those offered by REACH Memphis
-your ACT can influence the number of and amount of scholarships received
-members of our 3Up Club have increased their ACT scores 3 or more points thanks to our ACT tutoring and prep services