VISION

The Reach for the Stars Program and Whittier City School District have formed partnerships within the Whittier Community to ensure a safe and nurturing environment.

MISSION

We integrate our resources to create equitable opportunities to empower our youth to thrive and

become impactful members of society. 

HISTORY

The Reach for the Stars program opened its doors in March of 1999 with four elementary school sites. The program was originally funded by a grant offered through the Los Angeles County Office of Education and the State After School Education and Safety (ASES) grant.

In 2009, the program received the 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) federal grant allowing us to expand to seven elementary sites including funding for the Jump Start Summer program.  The Jump Start Summer Program implemented a highly integrated approach to learning.  This approach helped to prevent summer learning loss in our at-risk youth. In 2013, Whittier City School District received new ASES and 21^st CCLC grant awards allowing the program to expand its services district-wide.

Reach for the Stars (RFTS) is funded by the After School Education and Safety (ASES) Grant and Expanded Learning Opportunity Program (ELO-P) fund. The state/federal grants require that students attend everyday until 6PM, however early release is available as needed. Reach for the Stars (RFTS) operates from 6:30 am - 8:00 am, 2:15 pm - 6:00 pm (12:15 pm -6:00 pm on minimum days) all days that school is in session at all (9) elementary schools and (2) middle schools.

First priority enrollment is given to students who are identified by the program as homeless youth or as being in foster care

(EC sections 8483[c][1][A] and 8483.1[d][1]A]).