There is no cost to any student enrolled in the REACH Program.


REACH stands for "Recruiting Excellence in Academics for Catholic High Schools"


REACH annually enrolls approximately 160 middle school students from all five boroughs. These students attend different grammar schools throughout all five boroughs of New York City. More than 80% of students are the sons of immigrant parents. Many of them speak a language other than English at home. All REACH families demonstrate significant financial need.


Working in partnership with New York City parochial, public, and private elementary schools, REACH accepts nominations for students who meet these criteria:
• Student is a 5th grade boy.
• Student is Catholic.
• Student possesses good to superior academic and leadership potential (based on 4th & 5th grade report cards and motivation to achieve).
• Student scores in the 75th percentile or above on standardized tests (for public school students, a 4 or high 3 on NY State English and Math Exams).
• Student's family demonstrates financial need.


Students spend 37 of their summer days in an intensive leadership and academic summer program. The first three weeks are a residential learning academy at either Fordham University of University of Scranton. The second three are comprised of a day program at Regis High School. Students also commit to 21 Saturdays of additional learning during the school year.


Over the course of three years, REACH students will:
• Improve academic and study skills.
• Explore Catholic faith and spirituality.
• Participate in sports and activities.
• Learn computer and technology skills.
• Develop musical and artistic talents.
• Expand cultural awareness through field trips.
• Meet and become inspired by leaders in the community.
• Develop leadership skills in a spirit of service and generosity.
• Prepare for high school admissions tests and application processes.


REACH alumni attend top Catholic high schools and selective public high schools throughout New York City. REACH students this year earned over $2 million in scholarship awards from NYC Catholic high schools. Last year, 19 REACH graduates were members of the freshman class at Regis, and 20 more will begin at Regis this September. Other students matriculate to Fordham Prep, Xavier High School, The Loyola School, Cristo Rey, and Archbishop Molloy High School.


85% of REACH graduates will be the first male in their household to attend college. Among other institutions, REACH graduates have gone on to attend Boston College, Brown, Columbia, Cornell, MIT, Princeton, Notre Dame, and Williams College.


Winter 2020 edition of Regis Magazine
REACH News & Media webpage