REACH
revitalizing, educating, aspiring, community, heroes
WE'VE EXPANDED- COVID-19 did not stop us from REACHing students.
In 2022 we are going INTERNATIONAL!
I created REACH as a way to give back to my community and help talented but underprivileged students reach their full potential. I am passionate about business and especially ethical business programs that provide ways to give back to local communities and create opportunity for student leaders.
I participated in an entrepreneurship program at Columbia Business School for three consecutive summers. I evolved from being a student in the class to a teacher's assistant. The program provided me with the inspiration to start REACH. My goal was to take the most important aspects of the business program and develop a summer course for the students of the Boys and Girls Club of Asbury Park.
Dr. Jack McGourty from the Columbia Business School helped me develop the content of the course. Dr. John Griffith and Dr. Greg Martin enabled me to host the course at the Ranney School and provided essential support for the program’s infrastructure and technology. I was able to bring a version of the course to the students of the Boys and Girls Club where we shared cutting-edge insights about starting a business with those that participated.
I developed a second week designed for the younger students of the Boys and Girls Club of Red Bank. This program focused on reading and writing skills and was taught by Dr. Bradley Holden.
Sharing these ideas and seeing once again their transformative power has been a rewarding experience. I know for many it has been life-changing. And I've learned so much, not just about business and what it takes to create sustainable and ethical companies, but I've also learned more concretely the importance and value of organization and leadership skills by developing this program. Most importantly to me, I learned what it takes to become a leader in my community and what opportunities I have to give back and share my passions with others.
Throughout my junior year of high school, I have expanded the REACH program to provide the students of the Boys and Girls Club in Asbury Park with weekly tutoring by Ranney School students. I have also continued to work with those who participated in the summer entrepreneurship course. Relationships and connections formed throughout the program have provided the students with introductions to mentors and community leaders and opportunities for volunteer work and future jobs.
During the summer of 2020, REACH adapted to a virtual program. We have been able to expand the program to include new partnerships and classes. The summer 2020 program was run for students from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Asbury Park and Lawrence as well as students from the Peter Westbrook Foundation, Trinity Hall and the Collier School.
In 2022 we are working on continuing our existing partnerships as well as very exciting international relationships in Nicaragua and the Caribbean!
Ava Floyd - Founder