Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Dream Grant and how does it work:

Reach Your Peak's (RYP) Dream Grant allows RYP to channel funds directly back to those schools, organizations, and communities in which students use the RYP D.R.E.A.M. Program, by awarding grants to further support their need s. Each school, organization, or community will submit up to 3 candidates' essays and corresponding student worksheets for consideration. RYP's selection committee, which is comprised of members of RYP's staff as well as partner and sponsor members will review and evaluate all submissions. The committee will select those candidates who most clearly represent Reach Your Peak and our D.R.E.A.M. Program, and will award them grants of varying monetary value to apply towards their continued dreams for their schools, organizations and communities.

Why does RYP stress the "What does Reach Your Peak Mean to Me?" Essay?

The essay is the first and most important step in our program. Even before students set their goals, it is important that they are inspired to dream about what it means to reach their peak and be their best. By encouraging students to dream first, their goals will be easier to set and they will be more apt to get on the road that will enable them to reach the places they want to seek out in this world. Although this essay should not be written with a focus on setting goals, many students may find that their goals are naturally incorporated into their essay.

How can my students start using the RYP Program?

Before you start using the RYP D.R.E.A.M. Program, educators should contact either:

Fabian Koss (202) 623-3097 fkoss@reachyourpeak.org
Michael Davis (212) 452-1994 mdavis@reachyourpeak.org

As a student, how can I use the program if my school or organization isn't currently administering the D.R.E.A.M. program?

Students are welcome to use our program on line, by using our worksheets, following our Life Quest Events and contacting our partner organizations. If you wish to take part in our Dream Grant, please send an e-mail to either Fabian or Michael, and we will help you get your school or organization involved in our program.

As an educator do we have to use the entire curriculum to be involved in RYP's D.R.E.A.M. Program and Dream Grant?

Not at all. Please think of our curriculum as a guide for educators to help prepare students to set and go after their dreams. We only require teachers and students to use RYP's 5 Step D.R.E.A.M. program and to complete the corresponding worksheets.

Do we have to use RYP's Program during a Life Quest event?

Not at all. Please feel free to use it at any time during the year. All of our current and past Life Quest Events will be available on our website for students to explore.

Do our students have to use one of RYP's partner organizations to fulfill their community dreams?

No. RYP has formed partnerships with a variety of organizations to facilitate students involvement in community service with their varied interests. However, we are open to students working with any organization that is in line with the RYP mission and that enables students to reach their goal.

In which academic subject classes should the RYP Program be administered?

This is really up to the educator. The program can be naturally incorporated into an English language Arts curriculum because of the strong emphasis on essay writing in the student worksheets. Another suggestion is to incorporate it into the subject that correlates best with the Life Quest Event (example: Life Quest - Everest and the Seven Summits, can be followed during social Studies classes). Because of its broad scope and corss-curricular components, it can easily be adapted for a variety of subjects. Additionally, this program can be used to fdulfill students' community service requirements and also works well as a port of an after-school program.

Is there any cost associated with using RYP's D.R.E.A.M. Program?

It is absolutely free.

What is the targeted age group to use the D.R.E.A.M. Program?

The program and curriculum are best suited for students in 7th through 12th Grade, may be adapted and applied to any to virtually any age group.

How can my organization become an RYP Partner?

Please contact either:

Fabian Koss (202) 623-3097 fkoss@reachyourpeak.org
Michael Davis (212) 452-1994 mdavis@reachyourpeak.org

How can my company or I become an RYP or RYP Life Quest Sponsor?

Please contact either:

Fabian Koss (202) 623-3097 fkoss@reachyourpeak.org
Michael Davis (212) 452-1994 mdavis@reachyourpeak.org

How can I become an RYP Life Quest Participant?

Please contact either:

Fabian Koss (202) 623-3097 fkoss@reachyourpeak.org
Michael Davis (212) 452-1994 mdavis@reachyourpeak.org

RYP will monetarily sponsor those those individuals or groups attempting a Life Quest. In return for this sponsorship, RYP Life Quest Participants are required to visit a number of participating schools and organizations to share their experiences in order to inspire and motivate students. In addition Life Quest Participants will help create an online environment that is exciting and motivational for students to follow as they go after their own dreams while using RYP's D.R.E.A.M. Program.

Does the RYP Life Quest Event have to be athletic?

Not at all. Any type of long-term event will be considered, from athletic to academic to philanthropic, etc.

How can I arrange for the Life Quest Participant(s) to come and speak to the students at my school or organization?

Please contact either:

Fabian Koss (202) 623-3097 fkoss@reachyourpeak.org
Michael Davis (212) 452-1994 mdavis@reachyourpeak.org