PROGRAMS
SUMMER LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
Developing skills for life beyond the classroom
Success in high school is just the first step for the teens at Reach. During a six-week intensive program, they learn and develop skills to help prepare them for their futures outside of the classroom.
Academy Spotlight: Riley
Like most Reach students, Riley enjoys helping others and cares deeply about the community. During the Summer Leadership Academy, Riley learned about SMYAL, a nonprofit that combats LGBTQ homelessness in DC. Horrified by the discrimination facing LGBTQ teens and aware of the challenges associated with homelessness, Riley decided to take action. She convinced her teammates to choose SMYAL for the Teen Philanthropy Challenge, the Academy’s end of summer public-speaking contest. Her team’s impassioned presentation won the grand prize and secured a $2,500 grant for SMYAL. As she enters her junior year at Ballou High School, Riley plans to continue advocating for the issues she cares about.
Meet Riley
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