REACH Pathways

The problem within the Global Economic Prosperity Challenge we are working to solve is the systemic segmentation of educational and economic opportunities, more specifically, tackling the low graduation rate of first-generation college students from low-income communities.

Nine out of ten students do not graduate. This lack of graduation perpetuates cycles of poverty and limits opportunities. 

Every day, students are told to "plan for the future." That might be easy if a student already has access to resources. But for students who don't, taking the next step can feel like taking a test in the dark. And the results of this test have dramatic implications for their futures, livelihoods, hopes, and dreams.

The U.S. also has a $2 Trillion talent problem because top talent isn’t accessing top opportunities. The high school class of ’22 will lose out on $1 Trillion in lifetime earnings due to a lack of access to college and career. Companies have experienced $1Trillion in business losses due to voluntary turnover.*

After 100s of hours of interviews and 28+ years of experience from the Chicago Scholars Foundation (REACH Pathway’s parent organization), we know that under-resourced students need three things: belonging and community, pathways, and financial support.

Our theory of change revolves around providing under-resourced students with the necessary tools and support to navigate the complex journey of college and career. We are providing under-resourced students with access to the “hidden curriculum” that is often only available to more privileged students. When under-resourced students have access to these resources and our leadership competency framework rooted in skills for the future of work, they have the tools to actively shape their careers and overcome systemic barriers. We know our curriculum works because 95% of Chicago Scholars go to college on time, 78% graduate, and over 50% earn more than their parents did a few years after graduation. 

Through 100s of interviews and research, we know the next generation engages with the world differently. 97% of Gen Alpha and 87% of GenZ play video games and user-generated social media is their primary source of information. To meet students where they are, we’ve created a “choose your own adventure” curriculum rooted in game-based learning. We’re leveraging AI to expose students to various career opportunities and understand how their unique strengths align with different paths. 

By putting this information on a mobile platform, students anywhere can access the resources to succeed. REACH Pathways harnesses technology to build and sustain peaceful and prosperous economies by equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and support necessary to make informed decisions about their futures. By providing access to resources, cohort-based learning, mentorship, and opportunities, we empower students to take control of their lives, overcome stereotype threats, and pursue their goals with confidence. Through engagement with mentors, job opportunities, and bite-sized near-peer curated content (think TikTok), students earn rewards, reinforcing positive behaviors and incentivizing continued progress.

We believe education is social justice and zip codes should not determine life outcomes.

*Based on Department of Labor and Gallup research

REACH Pathways is the result of Chicago Scholars’ more than two decades of expertise. 95% of Chicago Scholars go to college on time, they graduate at 3X the national average, and 60% earn more than their parents did a few years after graduation. Chicago Scholars has 300+ corporate and college partners across the nation, has generated $300K annually in internship placement fees, and launched the beta app in 2021 with a 90% adoption rate among high school students and their mentors.

Reach Pathways, L3C is the new for-profit entity launched in 2022, wholly owned and mission-locked by Chicago Scholars, created to leverage 28 years of success and scale nationally through our combined networks and proven outcomes.

Recognizing the benefits of video games for learning, we're transforming traditional resources into an immersive 3D platform. After 100s of hours of interviews and 28+ years of Chicago Scholars expertise, we know that under-resourced students need three things: belonging and community, pathways, and financial support.

REACH Pathways is the IRL Game of Life; the college and career pathway that connects high-performing under-resourced students (HiPURS) to companies and colleges. Less like homework and more like a video game, REACH rewards students for finding jobs and completing real-life and in-game tasks. REACH also offers financial support including an opportunities board with scholarships, internships, and jobs.

To meet the student needs mentioned above, REACH provides: 

1. Step-by-step pathways curated to their goals based on our technology partner’s AI-based “maps” for learning tools. The curriculum provided in the pathways is based on Chicago Scholars’ Arc of Optimal Scholar Success and includes the following learning tracks: academics, career and leadership development, social-emotional/belonging, and finances. 

2. Belonging through community features, custom avatars, and student-centered world design so that students can see and connect with people who share their lived experiences. To achieve this, the content provided in the platform has been developed by student near-peers such as this video,

 Student Content Video

3. Financial guidance through an opportunities board that includes scholarships, paid internships, and financial literacy resources.

See demo of our game here:

 Demo Video

We seek to 1) increase user self-awareness so that students can identify their skills and match them to jobs they seek, 2) increase exposure to new careers by providing different technology career pathways, and 3) build career-focused leadership skills so that students are successful in their first internships and jobs.

Our vision is that older alumni become hiring managers, the graduating college classes mentor college students, and college students support high school students to improve college graduation and earned income. We’re changing the landscape of leadership for companies by developing educated and qualified leaders from every zip code.

Grounded in reciprocity values, REACH allows students to reach up to their goals, reach out to the community, and reach back to the next generation.

REACH serves two primary stakeholders - the users: High-Performing Under-Resourced Students (HiPURS) and the customers: various entities such as companies, educational institutions, and communities. HiPURS encompasses a diverse group of academically ambitious individuals, including BIPOC, first-generation college students, children of immigrants, and those from low-income and under-resourced communities across the nation. These students are not only striving for academic excellence, but also battling against the odds stacked against them. They are the heart of REACH's mission, and the platform aims to revolutionize their educational and career trajectories.

In working with LotisBlue consulting, we have conducted a total addressable market analysis of both students and companies in an interactive PowerBI data tool. We know that there are 1.6 million high-performing under-resourced students, their families, and support networks per year that could benefit from REACH.

Our beta app launched in 2021 had a 90% adoption rate of high school students and their mentors and 3,000 users.

For HiPURS, REACH represents more than just a platform; it's a lifeline toward realizing their aspirations. REACH addresses the pressing needs of HiPURS by providing a multifaceted platform tailored to their unique experiences and aspirations. Through partnerships with and a network of college and corporate partners, REACH ensures widespread accessibility and impact. 

By offering a comprehensive suite of resources, mentorship opportunities, and a supportive community, REACH equips these students with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of higher education and the job market. From game-based learning modules to curated internships and TikTok-esque clips guiding them through the college and career journey, REACH fosters holistic growth and empowerment. No longer confined by the limitations of their circumstances, HiPURS can chart a course toward success with confidence and resilience.

REACH also serves as a valuable resource for companies, educational institutions, and communities. Corporate recruiters, in particular, stand to benefit from REACH's diverse talent pool and customizable career pathways. By leveraging the platform, recruiters gain access to high-potential candidates who may have otherwise been overlooked, thus fostering inclusivity and diversity within their organizations. Educational institutions, grappling with the challenge of preparing students for an ever-evolving workforce, find in REACH a partner committed to bridging the skills gap and promoting postsecondary success.

Furthermore, REACH's focus on diversity, community-building, and customizable career pathways addresses the existing gaps in available resources. By amplifying the voices and experiences of under-represented students, REACH fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment. Through data-driven insights and interactive tools, REACH not only connects HiPURS with opportunities, but also equips them with the knowledge and agency to make informed decisions about their futures.

In conclusion, REACH is not merely a platform; it's a catalyst for change, illuminating the path toward educational and economic equity for HiPURS. By serving as a bridge between talent and opportunity, REACH transforms lives, uplifts communities, and paves the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future. With REACH, no student navigates the journey alone, and every dream shines a little brighter in the light of possibility.

The REACH Pathways team embodies a rich tapestry of experiences, hailing from diverse backgrounds with firsthand familiarity with the challenges of growing up in urban and rural under-resourced communities. Each team member has lived the narrative of a high-performing under-resourced student who defied stereotypes and surmounted obstacles to achieve their goals. Every team member has encountered skepticism about their potential, challenging the notion that they "weren't supposed to achieve" what they have in their careers. We are united in our commitment to reshape this reality for the next generation.

Comprising experts in technology, operations, and education, the team boasts over 30 years of combined experience in curriculum design, sales, marketing, and mentorship. With diverse backgrounds, they intimately understand the challenges faced in under-resourced communities. Each member has defied stereotypes as a high-performing student, overcoming obstacles to achieve success.

Jeffery Beckham Jr. (CEO), a 3-time founder, brings a track record of serving urban under-resourced communities through government advisory roles, direct mentorship, and board positions. His commitment to equity is demonstrated through leadership in various nonprofit organizations and membership in the Congressional Tech Advisory Council. Jeffery leads REACH Pathways’ strategic vision, direction, and sales strategy.

Brooke McKean (Co-CEO and President), with over 12 years of executive experience, designed programming in Haiti's emergency earthquake response, serving over 25,000 youth and replicated by UNICEF in crises worldwide. Brooke ensures all goals and targets are met and accomplished at REACH Pathways.

Kenneth Woodard (Head of Product), J.D. ’25, designed Chicago Scholars' college search tool and college counseling curriculum. With expertise in college and scholarship counseling, Kenneth leads product strategy and prioritization at REACH Pathways.

Eric Smith (Head of Technology), a versatile developer adept at designing interactive digital experiences, leads the technology roadmap to market at REACH Pathways.

Sasha Peña (Head of Employability), with over 9 years of experience, designs curricula to develop leadership competencies. Sasha leads sales strategy and develops career pathways curriculum at REACH Pathways.

REACH Pathways has contracted and engaged a paid Scholar Advisory Council representing under-resourced students in high school, college, and early career. The advisors meet weekly to provide ongoing feedback on the platform, interview their peers, and ensure we're building a platform that meets student needs. Our advisors also support grant writing, social media, game design, content and video creation, and more.

Every single member of our team knows what it means to come from an under-resourced background and overcome. Every single one of us wants to reduce the barriers for the next generation. Our society needs REACH. Join Us in the IRL Game of Life.

REACH is launching through Chicago Scholars' existing traction: 300+ corporate and college partners, $400K annual internship placement fees, and $140,000 in college partnership fees. We're leveraging this to transition the program to REACH in 2024 with 3,438 users thus far and post 300 jobs annually.

We partnered with Washington University in St. Louis, Trinity Christian College, Verizon, 1871, Kaplan Institute at IIT, McKinsey, PwC, P33 and Tech Rise, LotisBlue consulting, and others.

Wins:
-$100K Tools Competition 
-SXSW Pitch for Future of Work 
-Fast Company World Changing Ideas List 
-Chicago Innovation Top 100
-$50K Google grant 
- $250K Catalyze Challenge
-Wintrust Business Spotlight Video
-1871 BLK Tech Pitch
- CPS district-wide approval

Program participation:
-NSF VITAL Prize Discovery Round.
-Startups Ignite
-gener8tor
-1871 WMN Tech Founders
-Goodie Nation Startup accelerator
 
Which resulted in:
60 new stakeholder interviews
100+ pitches
1 new product launch with 93 test users
5 new prototypes
2 new staff including our Head of Technology to bring development in-house
1 dashboard with profiles, a jobs board, and an AI-based resume builder currently being tested
6 AI tools with career preparation scenarios
8 new partnerships including district-wide Chicago Public Schools approval

Receiving mentorship from Solve will significantly benefit our solution, aligning perfectly with our priorities for the next 6-12 months. We have already benefited from some of the tools and resources of former MIT Solve researchers. For example, we have experimented with PlayLab AI, an “AI for learners” tool built by Yusuf Ahmad. We are in talks with them about integrating there tool into our products. Additionally, participating in the 9-month virtual support program offers us the opportunity to connect with other passionate leaders accelerating social impact.

Our objectives include securing a capital round of $1.75-$2 million by May/July 2024, signing contracts with 10 customers, conducting 3 pilots, and hosting 12 monthly test user sessions. We aim to onboard 10,000 users, achieve $500,000 in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR), and iterate our Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to meet student needs and expand career pathways.

With ambitious targets of 150,000 users in 3 years and 1 million in 5 years, we anticipate significant impact within our serviceable addressable market of 3.5 million students, potentially leading to a $2+ trillion increase in lifetime earnings.

To achieve these goals, we seek values-aligned investors providing financial support and technical expertise. Raised funds will accelerate user onboarding and ARR growth through internship-focused product features and transitioning our founding team to full-time roles to enhance partnerships and overall growth.

Becoming a Solver team, coinciding with our investment round launch in February 2024, will expand our fundraising network and refine our revenue strategy. Access to tailored capacity workshops, leadership coaching, pro bono resources, curated networking opportunities, exposure in media and conferences, and joining a powerful network of impact-minded leaders across industries will accelerate our mission. The funding will support product development initiatives aimed at assisting interns in career exploration and enhancing recruiter engagement, driving our platform towards impacting educational and career outcomes for under-resourced students.

In 2022, Chicago Scholars launched REACH, the college and career pathway that connects high-performing under-resourced students (HiPURS) with companies and colleges. With REACH, students are rewarded for accessing bite-sized career content and accomplishing real-world tasks. More like gaming than homework, REACH provides step-by-step pathways curated to the student's goals using AI-based learning tools and financial support including an opportunities board.

We believe education is social justice and zip codes should not determine life outcomes. At Chicago Scholars, we strive to prepare our Scholars for the world and the world for our Scholars. Preparing our Scholars for the world means we support them through college and career access. Preparing the world for our Scholars means we look beyond Scholars’ immediate needs to pave the way for them to go beyond surviving to thriving, from achieving to excelling, from attending and working to belonging and exceeding. 

Recognizing that millions of young people from across the country could benefit from our proven outcomes and the need to engage the next generation differently, we're transforming our curriculum into an immersive 3D game-based platform. After 100s of hours of interviews and 25+ years of Chicago Scholars expertise, we know that under-resourced students need three things: belonging and community, pathways, and financial support.

In launching REACH Pathways L3C, controlled and managed by Chicago Scholars, we're seeking to scale our impact beyond Chicago to millions of young people across the country and globe. REACH Pathways' vision is, "A Vibrant World Powered by Diverse Leaders from Every Neighborhood." 

Chicago Scholars launched REACH Pathways as a mission-locked social enterprise to scale our research-based curriculum. Chicago Scholars has served 6,000+ students who boast outcomes 2-7 times the national average and $6.8 billion in additional lifetime earnings (based on a McKinsey and Co. assessment https://chicagoscholars.org/chicago-scholars-impact/). No other ed-tech startup offers such a rich history, a vast network of 7,500 partners, and existing corporate partnerships paying over $400K annually for access to talent. 

87% of GenZ and 94% of GenAlpha play video games, so we’re meeting them in the IRL game of life. Students, companies, and colleges are currently using platforms like WayUp, Handshake, LinkedIn, and Khan Academy. What sets us apart is our vibrant game-based community, student leadership skills development to align candidate skills with employer needs, and student-centered design informed by our paid student advisors. REACH is unmatched in the edtech landscape. 

Every single member of our team knows what it means to come from an under-resourced background and overcome. Every single one of us wants to reduce the barriers for the next generation. Our diverse, accomplished team and Chicago Scholars’ decades of unheard of outcomes and 7,000-strong community, positions us for transformative success.

We pride ourselves on innovative structures, reflected in our paid Student Advisors, our unique L3C structure with equity funding, laser-focused on student outcomes, and values-first decision-making.

Theory of Change for REACH:

Long-Term Goal: REACH will be successful when zip codes no longer determine socio-economic and career outcomes.

Intermediate Outcomes:

1. Student Empowerment and Success:

   • Student Outcomes: Increased number of users matriculating on time, persisting, and graduating from college.
   • Internship Opportunities: Users securing internships during college.
   • Competitive Salaries: Users earning competitive salaries aligned with their chosen career paths.

2. Development of Student Agency:

   • Leadership Competency: Development of leadership skills, confidence, growth mindset, critical thinking, and adaptability among users.
   • Completion of Pathways: Progression through pathways measured by a robust definition of student agency.

3. Engagement and Skill Building:

   • User Engagement: Increased time spent on the platform.
   • Skills Building: Completion of quests and demonstrated growth in skills.

4. Effectiveness of AI:

   • AI Utilization: Effective use of AI for career exposure, matching, and guidance.
   • A/B Testing: Comparative analysis of different AI tools to enhance customization for the platform.

Strategies for Achieving Outcomes:

1. Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis:

   • Utilize quantitative analysis to measure efficiency in learning career development concepts.
   • Employ qualitative analysis through pre- and post-survey research to gauge changes in leadership skills, imposter syndrome, and stereotype threat among users.

2. Research Partnerships:

   • Collaborate with the University of Chicago Inclusive Economy Lab to assess outcomes through focus groups, A/B testing, and randomization.
   • Engage agency-in-education experts to refine and develop agency measurement tools.

3. Usability Research:

   • Conduct user/usability research to assess the effectiveness of game-based learning tools.
   • Analyze game mechanics to identify value-added components contributing to user experience and career development outcomes.

Implementation Strategies:

• Partnerships: Utilize existing partnerships with Chicago Scholars’ network, college partners, corporate partners, community organizations, and high schools.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Maintain engagement with educational institutions, corporate partners, and community organizations to ensure alignment with program goals.
• Continuous Improvement: Continuously refine and develop the platform based on research findings and user feedback.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Regularly monitor user engagement, skill development, and outcomes to adapt strategies as needed.

Indicators of Success:

• Decreased correlation between zip codes and socio-economic/career outcomes.
• Increased rates of college matriculation, persistence, and graduation.
• Higher rates of internship attainment during college.
• Users earning competitive salaries aligned with their career paths.
• Demonstrated growth in leadership skills, confidence, and critical thinking among users.
• Increased user engagement and completion of quests on the platform.
• Effective utilization of AI tools for career guidance and matching.
• Positive feedback from stakeholders and partners regarding program effectiveness and impact.

By following this Theory of Change, REACH can work towards its long-term goal of breaking the link between zip codes and socio-economic/career outcomes, ultimately empowering students for success in college and beyond.

REACH will be successful when zip code no longer determine socio-economic & career outcomes. 

REACH has five impact measurement categories: 

1) Student Outcomes: College and career success (# of users that matriculate on time, persist, and graduate from college, # of users with internships in college, and users earning competitive salaries for their chosen career paths) 

2) Student Agency: Leadership competency and skills development, including confidence, growth mindset, critical thinking, adaptability, and other skills that are key to college success and the future of work (# and % skills developed, % completion of pathways measured by a robust and context-specific definition of student agency)

3) Product: User engagement data and skills building in platform (# of time spent on platform, # quests completed, # and % user growth) 

4) AI: To measure the effectiveness of AI to provide career exposure, matching, and guidance, we’ll conduct initial A/B tests with our staff and Scholar advisors using different AI tools before customizing anything for our platform. 

5) Sustainability ($ of potential customers and # of contracts signed, YoY revenue and $$ paid to Chicago Scholars)

Quantitative analysis will track how efficiently users learn career development concepts. Qualitative analysis will use pre– and post-survey research methods to understand how users experienced an increase in their leadership skills and a decrease in imposter syndrome and stereotype threat. We have also prepared a 3-year research proposal in partnership with the University of Chicago Inclusive Economy Lab to assess the outcomes of REACH based on focus groups, A/B testing, and randomization. The methodologies from this proposal are currently being integrated into REACH’s internal assessments. To continue to refine and develop our agency measurement tool, we will engage agency-in-education experts, Dr. Aubryn Sidle and Dr. Brenda Oulo, of Girls Agency Lab Consulting, LLC, who have developed contextualized, research-based agency tools in education.

We will test and research the effectiveness of the game-based learning tools themselves by conducting “user/usability research” and analyze which specific game mechanics added value to our user’s experience and overall career development outcomes through “value-added research” (Homer, Plass, Mayer et. al., 2020).

Learners will access REACH through existing Chicago Scholars’ partnerships: 140 college partners, 150 corporate partners, and over 100 community organizations and high schools. We have already established partnerships for REACH with the University of Chicago Inclusive Economy Lab, American Student Assistance, Chicago Collegiate Charter School, Trinity Christian College, and have approval from Chicago Public Schools for REACH.

At REACH Pathways, our product comprises three main components: a video game, a web dashboard, and a website. The video game, developed using Unity, is hosted on a proprietary server by our partner, Stemuli, with networked code handled by Photon. We plan to transition the hosting environment to Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Microsoft Azure PlayFab, or an Amazon EC2 instance. The dashboard, built on the MERN stack, is currently deployed on Netlify and will soon migrate to Google Cloud Platform. Our website is deployed using WIX. Our tech stack is carefully selected to ensure seamless integration and alignment with security and compliance needs.

We prioritize user experience and security, selecting Firebase and Firestore for our backend to offer Google SSO and ensure PII deletion. We integrate with standard APIs for functions like content validation and data encryption. Compliance with regulations like COPPA and FERPA is paramount, with strict data protection measures in place, including encryption for data in transit and at rest, strong access controls, and regular security audits.

Our partnership with Chicago Public Schools reflects our commitment to data privacy and security standards. We collaborate closely with them to ensure platform alignment with their policies. In summary, our deployment environment is designed to be secure and compliant, seamlessly integrating with existing technologies to provide users with a trustworthy experience.

Our AI-based learning tool, tailored to students’ goals, provides pathways, belonging, and financial support. Short, user-generated content and customizable avatars enhance engagement. Since launching REACH Pathways in October 2022, we've received accolades, including winning SXSW Pitch for Future of Work and Fast Company World Changing Ideas List.

The learning data backbone, akin to a "GPS for learning," guides students on their educational journey, leveraging AI to adapt based on performance. Real-time insights empower administrators to monitor progress and provide interventions, while AI-driven mentors offer personalized guidance on academic and career matters.

Full-time Employees: 4

Part-time Employees: 9

Reach Pathways, LLC is the new for-profit entity launched in October 2022 to leverage the success of Chicago Scholars' outcomes, network, and intellectual property. Chicago Scholars has had $300K in recurring revenue from internship placement fees since 2019 and posted an average of 300 jobs annually. After pivoting virtually during the pandemic and launching our beta app in 2021 with a 90% adoption rate of high school students and mentors, we learned what does and doesn't work for REACH. We have been working on REACH Pathways for the last 3 years.

Racial justice, equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion (READI) are core to Chicago Scholars’ and Reach Pathways’ strategies and infused into all that we do. Chicago Scholars integrated READI into the strategic plan launched in 2019 and developed READI values in 2020 (www.chicagoscholars.org/READI).

A full summary of the Chicago Scholars READI policies and practices is https://prezi.com/i/exzxv4kafx... and https://prezi.com/view/zJJ1HlTpLQ0EjCDKLB3J/. Chicago Scholars was a finalist for the SXSW Innovation Awards in the Rising DEI Workplace category, 2023 Best Companies Group Inclusive Workplace, and 2020 Crain’s Best Places to Work.

REACH Pathways has adopted all Chicago Scholars READI values, policies, and practices. REACH is integrating Chicago Scholars’ READI values by hiring a paid contractual Scholar Advisory Council to review and provide feedback on the design of the platform once a week, as well as providing content for the platform and connecting with their peers to collect feedback. We are also reviewing all content from a READI lens. 

Our strategy for growth is to scale through partnerships with existing organizations who are seeking access to our proven curriculum. Because of our partnerships, our cost of user acquisition has been only $3. Within the existing network of 140 colleges and 150+ companies who pay or partner with Chicago Scholars every year, we are confident we will reach $1M in ARR and 50,000 users within the next two years.

We’ve worked with McKinsey, PwC, and LotisBlue consultants pro bono to develop our scale plans, revenue model, and total addressable market analyses based on census data in an interactive PowerBI tool. We know millions of under-resourced young people across the country would benefit from REACH. 

REACH’s revenue model, validated by McKinsey and PwC, targets three key markets:

1. Corporate Recruiter License Fee: Companies pay an annual fee for curated candidate recommendations, job postings, and community-building. Sliding scale SaaS model based on company size ($7,500-$20,000/year).

2. Ads and Marketing: Businesses and institutions invest in custom logos, virtual campuses or offices, and career paths. Customizable fee.

3. Community Licenses: Colleges, nonprofits, and high schools pay an annual fee to provide REACH to students. Estimated on a sliding scale with free pilots and users to bring on customers. CPS currently signed contract for $15/user but estimating a range $5,000-$10,000/year based on organization size and number of users.

Our strategy for growth is to scale not with more offices but through partnerships with existing organizations who are seeking access to our proven curriculum. We are acquiring users through partnerships, including the Chicago Scholars network of 6,000+ Scholars including 1,500 alumni, and 130+ college partners from across the country. We are acquiring corporate customers through our 150+ corporate partners, including the 30+ companies that partner with us every year to place interns. We already have established partnerships and 7 educational institutions signed up to access the platform. The partnerships underway are with EPIC Academy, Chicago Public Schools, American Student Assistance, Chicago Collegiate, Trinity Christian College, Washington University in St. Louis, and many more. 

REACH Pathways is the result of Chicago Scholars' experience serving over 6,000 students getting to and through college and into careers at 2X-7X the national average. Our initial technology tool has over 3,300 users including a 90% adoption rate of high school students and their mentors. Because of our partnerships, our cost of user acquisition has been only $3. REACH Pathways, L3C is the new mission-locked entity launched in 2022 to leverage this success to date to scale nationally by leveraging Chicago Scholars' intellectual property and network. Because of this, REACH is more sustainable as a mission-locked L3C entity than a traditional nonprofit trying to develop technology. 

We’ve worked with McKinsey, PwC, and LotisBlue consultants pro bono to develop our scale plans, revenue model, and total addressable market analyses based on census data. From the lived experiences of our staff, who are all HiPURS, and the market data, we know millions of under-resourced young people across the country would benefit from REACH. We also participated in the VITAL Prize Discovery Round and conducted an additional 45 interviews where we validated our scale plans.

Through our existing partnerships, we have a detailed 3-year plan to reach 150,000 users. We have also developed a 5-year plan to reach 1M+ users.

By fostering a culture of reciprocity that REACHES back to the next generation, we create an interconnected educational ecosystem where students, alumni, and graduates uplift each other, creating a ripple effect of empowerment and opportunity.

Transformation requires scale and the digital native student requires technology to achieve their goals. We’re not stopping our work until millions of students across the nation have access to the resources they need to achieve their dreams, regardless of their zip codes.