NC REACH is a collaboration of four (4) for/nonprofit organizations, LEAs, and support services that have supported this community independently for more than ten years. The consortium has more than 15 years of experience in school administration, teaching, educational programs, drop-out prevention, parent/staff leadership development, financial literacy, and working with fragile families on the local, state, and national level. Our collaboration of networks includes:

1) VRP Institute, Inc. – Anthony Howard
2) Unapologetically U Counseling & Consulting, PLLC – Amber Pearson Bowen
3) Mills Foundation – Linsey and Michelle Mills
4) Avant-Garde Leaders – Shanniska Howard

Mission and Goals

NC REACH is dedicated to developing 21^st-century leaders, providing comprehensive in-school support, and delivering academic and financial enrichment programs. We strive to empower teachers through professional development and actively engage parents and communities in the educational process.

Our partners are specialists in supporting educational and economically disadvantaged schools that are Title I, SIG, and/or AYP deficient. Our R.E.A.C.H programs provide educational advantages that will aid in expanding the circumference of an individuals knowledge by increasing the diameter of their thinking. We focus on creating and implementing successful parent involvement plans, evidence-based academic enrichment programs, and community activities that strengthen school partnerships.

Implementing a systematic approach to engaging families and embracing diversity will create successful schools that build trust and collaborative relationships with families and build capacity in vital areas of communication, partnership, and shared responsibility for the school’s success. Schools that succeed in engaging families from diverse backgrounds will see higher levels of trust and respect between the family and school, which provides an environment conducive for embracing partnership with shared power and responsibility.

Our Approach

NC REACH is committed to closing the achievement gap by setting high expectations for all students and fostering a culture of shared responsibility. We believe in the power of collaboration and leverage the strengths of faith-based organizations, higher education institutions, and businesses to provide the necessary resources for student success. The collective effort of each entity will allow us to reach our goal of closing the achievement gap by replacing deficiencies with student proficiency and academic mastery.

Understanding the African proverb “It takes a village…”; NC REACH was formed with a focus on the following questions:

1) How can we equitably distribute the resources we have?

2) How efficiently can we use our talents; understanding that the pressures of education today and the need to meet/exceed performance target goals is the measurement?

Our Vision

Through collective effort and shared responsibility, NC REACH envisions stronger communities and schools that provide sustainable solutions for educational equity. We believe that empowered communities create a stronger nation. We align with these goals through our mission to develop 21^st century leaders, provide academic/financial enrichment programming, train teachers, graduate students, and engage parents by building capacity in three staple areas of Engagement, Empowerment, and Advancement.