Available to all K–12 students in the rural Lyle and Wishram school districts, ESD 112’s REACH program focuses on:

  • Relationships
  • Enrichment
  • Academics
  • Community
  • Homework Help

More than just academic tutoring, ESD 112’s REACH program uses a whole-child approach with its extended day learning program that operates four days per week before and after school (in most schools). The program partners with local communities to provide enrichment activities like field trips, special guests, family events and special group activities that engage kids and make them enthusiastic learners.

“It only takes one caring adult to make a difference in the life of a child, and I am excited that our REACH program staff can do that for their students,” says Program Director Marlene Gonzalez.

The program is free to qualifying families, with the cost for those families covered by the 21st Century Grant. Healthy snacks and bus transportation are also provided to help remove potential income barriers to participation.

Gonzalez operates REACH with a passion fueled by her personal experience with an afterschool program. She explains, “I grew up in ‘ghetto’ East Los Angeles where home stability was elusive and consistent food was scarce. I still remember the kind adults from an afterschool program I walked to two miles from where we lived and how much I looked forward to the snacks they provided (especially the grilled cheese sandwiches)! The regular meals and caring adults made an imprint on my heart.  I believe this is one of the reasons why I ended up graduating high school and later grad school.”

For more information on REACH, visit REACH.