Mission

Reach Into Cultural Heights (RICH) focuses on creating innovation for urban students using classroom and online self-directed learning strategies.



Our Goals

RICH Goal: We guide students to express respect for themselves and others and to focus on succeeding in the school learning environment. The goal is to change the academic conversation by using the 4 RICH guiding principles:

  1. I matter
  2. I am responsible for my behavior
  3. I am considerate of classmates and others
  4. I use thinking strategies for school success

What we achieve: RICH uses a blended approach to classroom instruction and technology-driven projects to reach students. Our students articulate new attitudes about their abilities and set realistic academic goals.

Activities: RICH activities include weekly reflective writing portfolios, speaking and listening expressions, understanding the role of responsibility, and positive interactions with elders. Our innovative activities include online Google Classroom sessions, RICH safe space, thematic projects, and podcasts. Weekly activities incorporate the value of self management skills and the importance of taking responsibility for one’s behavior. RICH online activities are designed to encourage students to become better writers and to communicate respect for themselves and others.

Our History

Reach Into Cultural Heights, Inc. (RICH), began developing the Reach For Success program in 1992 with the single pointed focus on creating innovation for urban students by using communication technology models. Students who attended the organization’s model program Reach for Success are currently the program workshop leaders. The RICH network of leaders instruct students in using the language of school success in a classroom setting. Those new concepts are reinforced using technology as a tool for communication.


Beginning in 1992, RICH started the Reach for Success Program at York College, City University of New York. Today we are based at Queens College, City University of New York. Students in the Reach for Success program participate in web-based projects that support the development of writing skills and thinking skills to help them go from an “I cannot” attitude to an “I will try harder” attitude. Students will be inspired by optimism for a better future, helping them exceed both inside and outside of school. All Reach for Success programs created by the RICH organization help to support this learning concept.


More than 1,500 students have received the RICH training, helping them become caring and determined individuals who strive to create healthy learning environments in schools and beyond using the RICH Reach for Success 4 Guiding Program Principles:



With the support of York College, RICH introduced technology based projects to students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to participate in web-based projects.

Today we are promoting innovation on Queens College CUNY campus.


Students gain hands-on technology experience through working on independent thematic projects. RICH multicultural learning support materials include online websites to foster respect for self and for other cultures. All students are encouraged to learn about diverse cultures to competently participate in globally driven communication technology.