Complete Your Education. Own Your Future.
"Education is the key to success for so many kids. And my goal specifically is to reach out directly to young people and encourage them to take charge of their futures and complete an education beyond high school."
– First Lady Michelle Obama, January 16, 2014
About
The Reach Higher initiative is the First Lady's effort to inspire every student in America to take charge of their future by completing their education past high school, whether at a professional training program, a community college, or a four-year college or university.
In today's economy, a high school diploma just isn't enough. Students have to reach higher, which is why the First Lady is working to rally the country around the President's "North Star" goal — that by 2020, America will once again have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world.
Expanding Opportunity
The Reach Higher initiative will help make sure all students understand what they need to complete their education, including:
- Exposing students to college and career opportunities
- Understanding financial aid eligibility that can make college affordability a reality
- Encouraging academic planning and summer learning opportunities
- Supporting high school counselors who can help more kids get into college
Get Involved
Want the First Lady to speak at your commencement next spring? Now’s your chance!
With “FAFSA season” just around the corner, First Lady Michelle Obama is calling on every high school senior in America to complete their FAFSA form starting on January 1st, and for students, principals, teachers, school counselors, and administrators to show us how their school is taking action to get more students to fill out their forms. High Schools, Learn More About the FAFSA Completion Challenge.
First Lady Michelle Obama is challenging people in every college community– from student groups to admissions officers to college presidents – to take new steps to open up their campus to students who don’t always see themselves attending college. By placing high school students on a college campus, and exposing them to the college experience, students will be able to visualize their own college possibilities. Colleges, Learn More About the Near-Peer Mentoring Challenge.
Show your support: Take a photo in your college T-shirt and Instagram it, Facebook it or Tweet it with the hashtag #ReachHigher.
Resources
College Scorecard
The College Scorecard makes it easier for students and families to search for a college that provides a good value. It includes essential information about a particular college’s cost, its graduation rates and the average amount its students borrow, all in an easy-to-read format. It is designed to help you compare colleges and choose one that is well-suited to your individual needs.
Net Price Calculator Center
The Net Price Calculator Center provides an easy tool to allow students and families to enter information about themselves and find out the net price of any given college- that is, the price after subtracting the scholarships and grants a student are likely to receive..
College Navigator
College Navigator is an interactive website that provides detailed information about different institutions, including programs and majors, admissions considerations and more.
Financial Aid Shopping Sheet
Many colleges and universities have adapted a shopping sheet that provides personalized information on financial aid and net costs as well as general information on institutional outcomes — all in a standardized format. This tool provides an easy way to make clear comparisons among financial aid offers from different schools.
Studentaid.gov
Navigate the financial aid process and make informed decisions about paying for college. This website provides straightforward and easy-to-understand information about planning and paying for college. The site combines content and interactive tools from several Department of Education websites.
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step in accessing the more than $150 billion available in federal student aid.
Reach Higher Logos
Guidelines for Logo Use
- The Reach Higher Initiative logo may not be used to endorse any commercial product or service, nor may the logo be used in advertising or in any manner that could give rise to the appearance of endorsement.
- The Reach Higher Initiative logo may not be used to solicit funds or other contributions.
- The Reach Higher Initiative logo may not be used in any matter that could give rise to the appearance that the U.S. Government owns, operates, or is affiliated with any nongovernmental entity or its programs, products or services.
- The Reach Higher Initiative logo may only be used in connection with distribution of information about the White House Reach Higher Initiative, as found on the Reach Higher website. Any other uses are unauthorized.
Learn More
See what the Obama Administration is doing to expand college opportunity.
Highlights
The First Lady on the Power of Education
First Lady Michelle Obama tells students that no matter what path they choose or what dreams they have, they must do whatever it takes to continue their education past high school.
Taking Action to Expand College Opportunity
President Obama believes that to lead the world in the share of college graduates by 2020, we can and must be doing more to get more low-income students prepared for college, enrolled in quality institutions, and graduating.
A World Class Education for Every Student in America
Learn more about the President's plan to equip all Americans with the education they need to compete in the 21st century economy.
"My College Story Can Be Yours"
In an op-ed in Education Week, First Lady Michelle Obama explains why we need to inspire every child to reach higher, and give them an opportunity to fulfill their boundless potential.
Latest News
From the Blog
See All- November 04, 2014
You Asked and the First Lady Answered: Recap Her First Tumblr Q&A on Reach Higher
- October 27, 2014
Reach Higher with the First Lady on Tumblr and IRL
- September 18, 2014
First Lady Highlights College Signing Day in Latest Upworthy Post
