It has been observed that the most incredible breakthroughs stem from the ability to rise above adversities and survive seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The COVID-19 pandemic may have been destructive to industries across the globe, but it also served as an impetus for positive change and innovation. Although the global crisis brought down numerous enterprises, it was able to leave valuable lessons and insights that would serve as building blocks for a better future.
One of the entities prompted to shift their gears was REAP Inc., a Portland-based venture that aims to enable success for the youth from all walks of life. With its transition to the virtual space, it is now capable of helping more individuals and molding them into the leaders they aspire to be.
“Transitioning REAP programs to a virtual setting has been costly but 100% worth it for our students. Donations play an integral role in helping us to maintain, develop, and strengthen the quality of our online offerings,” a representative from REAP Inc. shared.
Since its inception in 2021, REAP Inc. has established itself as a beacon of excellence, leadership, and trustworthiness. In an effort to equip disengaged students with the necessary tools and resources for moving forward, it goes out of its way to reach out to school communities with families that are struggling under dire economic circumstances and are non-English speakers. At the heart of its vision is the belief that no one should be left behind. Today, the company serves as a source of hope and motivation for aspirants and dreamers.
REAP’s most notable creation is the Solution Program, a 10-month leadership curriculum that readily caters to students who are willing to tap into their potential and become the best versions of themselves. With this program, young individuals can develop and strengthen academic skills, improve college readiness, and prepare them for future careers. On a mission to improve its students’ quality of life, the organization wants to prove that anyone can translate their visions into reality.
REAP Inc. seeks to provide members of its community with a series of interactive leadership modules that revolve around civics, education, health, business, and leadership. On top of that, the program also focuses on specialized and applied learning approaches grounded in fostering students’ writing, speaking, reading, and inquiry skills.
Aside from the Solution Program, REAP Inc. is also known for its Young Entrepreneurs Program (YEP), which is geared toward creating opportunities that would allow students to create their own wealth and embrace their potential. At its core, the program aims to instill a culture that encourages growth and promotes grit.
REAP Inc. also addresses the social needs of young males of color through its leadership development program called Renaissance. “Our vision is to affirm the positive identity and self-worth of young males of color of diverse backgrounds,” revealed Mark Jackson. “REAP accomplishes this by promoting positive images of males, developing their leadership potential, and fostering their innovative abilities. Our young men model leadership through peer mentoring, civic engagement, business innovation, and public speaking.”
In the coming years, REAP Inc. intends to expand its reach by catering to new districts and states. This way, it can offer its revolutionary after-school programs to even more aspiring visionaries in the country.
Opinions expressed by California Gazette contributors are their own.
