Now in its 24th year, the REACH Youth Scholarship Program provides college funds to high school seniors from Santa Clara County who have overcome adversity to excel in the classroom and on the playing field.

REACH is an acronym that stands for Recognizing Excellence, Adversity, Courage and Hard work. The scholarship program is an initiative of the San Jose Sports Authority, the sports marketing arm of the City of San Jose.

Devyn L., 2019 REACH Youth Scholarship Recipient

Devyn was awarded a REACH Youth Scholarship in 2019 (left, posing with REACH Honorary Co-Chairs Ronnie Lott and Brandi Chastain) and is currently in her first year of studies at UC Berkeley (right).

"REACH gave me the platform not only to share my own story but also to stand for countless other survivors of sexual abuse. The scholarship was a blessing that alleviated the weight of guilt and silence that had burdened my life for many years, too.

Being one of the scholarship recipients from my community also allowed me to demonstrate how those of us from East Side San Jose rise from concrete. REACH recognizes the adversity student-athletes may face as well as the grit and resilience it takes to come out thriving.

I am forever grateful to all the people associated with REACH who supported me through one of the most terrifying journeys in my life. Now that I am at Cal, I have a greater appreciation for the efforts of the REACH program and how it makes a difference in higher education for students like myself. I will carry my life-changing experience with REACH forever!"

To learn more about the REACH Youth Scholarship Program, including eligibility and the selection process, please visit the REACH page on the SJSA website.

2020 REACH Youth Scholarship

By San Jose Sports Authority

2020 REACH Youth Scholarship

A Scholarship Program of the San Jose Sports Authority