REACH Program Information

• • About the REACH Program

    Our program is committed to be a partner with our Foster Youth students and walk with them side by side in their educational endeavour as well as connect foster youth with on and off campus resources.  Here are the many benefits/services the REACH Program offers:      

    • Priority registration   
    • Financial assistance
      • Chafee Grant application
      • CA College Promise (BOG) waiver
      • Other forms of financial aid
    • Textbook assistance
    • Technology loans
      • Laptops
      • Hotspots

    • School supplies
    • Foster Youth housing resources
    • Mentoring and support
    • Academic Counseling
    • Social Worker referrals
    • Emergency funding
    • Cal Fresh assistance
    • Gift card incentives
    • Workshops, socials, & community events
  • How to Join Reach
    1. Submit An Application

    Our application is fast and simple. You can find the link on our website: www.mtsac.edu/reach/.

    2. Meet With Our Staff

    After reviewing your application, a staff member will contact you to cover important steps like applying for financial aid,registering for classes,and getting your books.

    3. Attend a Life Skills Meeting

    Whether you want to buy a car or rent an apartment,a Life Skills meeting will give you knowledge & tools to navigate adult life with confidence.

    4. Meet Your Mentor

    All new REACH students are assigned a mentor- a seasoned student to support you along the way. They will reach out to you once classes begin.

     
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
    • • What are the program eligibility requirements to join REACH Guardian Scholars?
        • You must be current or former foster youth with court dependency or guardianship established after the age of 13 
        • Submit Foster Care Verification – If you don’t have verification, please contact California State office of the Foster Care Ombudsman at 1.877.846.1602 to obtain a copy.  
        • Must be under 26 years old 
      • What if I am ineligible for REACH?

        Even if you think you are ineligible for REACH, we highly recommend you still apply so we may assess your options and make recommendations; for example, we may refer you to Extended Opportunity Programs & Services (EOPS).  However, you can still benefit from the following services that the equity center provides: 

        • Counseling
        • Assistance w/ Financial Aid Application
        • Free Printing
        • Academic & Center Resources 
      • How do I apply to REACH?

        Interested students should follow these steps:

        1. Submit a REACH application.  You don’t have to come to campus to submit the application.  The application is easy to complete and takes approximately 5-10 minutes.  
        2. Show proof of court dependency or guardianship by uploading your Foster Care Verification letter to the application.  If you don’t have proof, you can contact the Ombudsman Foster Care Help-Line at 1-877-846-1602 to obtain a copy.  You don’t have to wait for the verification letter in order to submit the application.  Please submit the application and email us the letter at mtsacreach@mtsac.edu, or you may bring it to the REACH office located in the Equity Center (Bldg. 16E).  
        3. Your completed application will be reviewed by a REACH Staff member.  If the required information and documentation are included, you will receive a welcome email, within two (2) weeks, with REACH information and program requirements.  If the application is missing information or your verification isn’t attached, a staff member will reach out to you to obtain the information.

        If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office at 909.274.6556 or email us at mtsacreach@mtsac.edu.

      • Do I have to apply to Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) before submitting a REACH application?
        No, you can apply to REACH even if you have not yet applied to Mt. SAC.  However, both the Mt. SAC and REACH applications need to be submitted and are separate processes.  The next FAQs question will address how to apply to Mt. SAC. 
        Our REACH application asks for a Mt. SAC student ID# and email.  If you have not applied to Mt. SAC, you will not be able to provide this information.  Simply skip these questions, but please provide us with the information as soon as you receive them.  You can email the information to us at mtsacreach@mtsac.edu.  
      • How do I apply to Mt. SAC?

        You can start by visiting the steps-to-apply page.  Whether you are a New/Returning/Transfer/international/Concurrent Enrollment student, the link will breakdown the application/enrollment steps you will need to follow.  New students will be required to attend a new student orientation, complete an assessment questionnaire, and meet with a counselor.
         
        Please note:  The REACH Program has three counselors that can assist you and meet the Mt. SAC counseling requirement.  You can schedule a REACH counseling appointment online.  In addition, our staff can schedule an appointment for you if you would prefer.  Please call our office at 909.274.6556 or email us at mtsacreach@mtsac.edu.

      • Is there a deadline to submit the REACH application?
        REACH offers priority registration and in order to qualify for early registration for each term, you will need to submit a REACH application by the following dates:
        If enrolling for Summer 2023, apply by:  April 28, 2023
        

        • Classes begin on June 20, 2023

        If enrolling for Fall 2023, apply by:  June 16, 2023
        

        • Classes begin on August 28, 2023

        If enrolling for Spring 2024, apply by:  November 17, 2023
        

        • Classes begin on February 26, 2024
      • Does REACH help students enroll in classes?
        Yes!  The REACH Program has three counselors that can assist you in course enrollment and to meet the Mt. SAC counseling requirement.  You can schedule a REACH counseling appointment online.  In addition, our staff can schedule an appointment for you if you would prefer.  Please call our office at 909.274.6556 or email us at mtsacreach@mtsac.edu.
      • Does REACH help students transfer to a university?
        Yes!  Our team of counselors are here to support you in your goals of graduating and transferring to a 4-year university.  Schedule an appointment  or contact us for support at 909.274.6556. You can also email mtsacreach@mtsac.edu.  
      • Can I still join REACH if I have joined another program or planning to join?
        Yes!  You can be part of REACH and other programs at the same time. 
      • Does REACH help students find housing?
        Yes!  REACH can assist current and former foster youth with housing.  Please contact us at 909.274.6556 or email us at mtsacreach@mtsac.edu for assistance with housing. 
      • Does REACH help students find a job?
        Yes!  Please contact us 909.274.6556 or email us at mtsacreach@mtsac.edu for job resources.
        Students looking for on-campus jobs can search for current job availabilities on Mountie CareerSource
        For assistance navigating this website, please reach out and we will connect you to one of our ambassadors (Meet our Ambassadors). 
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How Can You Support Us?

Here are ways to get involved:

• Volunteer for REACH events
• Community Garden Volunteer
• Make a donation to help support REACH Foster Youth students – Donate to the REACH Program through the Foundation & Alumni Association webpage. Under the Designation heading, click the down arrow to select the REACH Program.
• Stay informed about legislation that support foster youth by going to the John Burton Website to learn more.

If you are interested, please contact the REACH office at 909.274.6556.  Thank you!