327 GRADUATES

OVER

$4,275,000 RAISED

Over

Hours of Community

Service 2JACK KENT

COOKE SCHOLARS

Acceptances at

95High Schools

4 Questbridge

Scholars

2015 MMMPACT

Partner

ACCEPTANCES AT

121 COLLEGES

2 Gates Millennium

Scholars

CELEBRATING 15 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE2015 - 2016 ANNUAL REPORT

LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR

Dear Friends and Supporters of Reach For Excellence,

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am pleased to report on the continued growth and success of the Reach for Excellence program. This year, the Board made the strategic decision to expand the program to include students in the sixth grade, thus making Reach a true middle school program. During the 2016-17 school year, we have 30 sixth graders who will join our 68 seventh and eighth graders for Saturday sessions. This has been a goal of the Board for some time and has been made possible by your continued generous support. We believe that having students in our program for all three years of their middle school experience will result in improved outcomes over time and an even stronger connection between our students and Reach for Excellence after they complete the program. In this regard, I am impressed by how many of our Reach graduates stay connected to the program through social media and by coming back to serve as interns during the summer months. This past summer, we had 5

Reach graduates serve as interns in the program: Nicholas Angel, Cohort 2011 I, Berry College; Dawit Gebre, Cohort 2011 I, Stanford University; Bryant Gomez, Cohort 2008 F, Georgia State University; Hanna Mesfin, Cohort 2009 G, Valdosta State University; Rachel Wong, Cohort 2011 I, Macalester College. These young people are tremendous role models for our current students and a testament to what is possible by “committing to the climb.” I hope you will enjoy reading more about the many achievements of our students and of the program in this Annual Report. Thank you again for the invaluable support that you provide to Reach for Excellence and to our community.

Warm regards,Rocco TestaniChairman of the Board

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Reach for Excellence’s success is a result of the collaborative efforts of extremely generous and dedicated people filling different roles – administration, board members, benefactors, volunteers, and teachers.

On Thursday, July 21, 2016, Reach for Excellence’s Summer Session ended for its 97 scholars with the traditional “Stepping Up” graduation ceremony! 30 members of the fourteenth cohort, 2016 N, successfully completed their commitment. The High School Class of 2020 added new public and independent institutions to Reach’s growing list of college preparatory programs – Peachtree Ridge High School, Phillips Academy – Andover, Phillips Exeter Academy, and Sprayberry High School.

Reach graduates attending Berry College, Georgia State University, Macalester College, Stanford University, and Valdosta State University worked with, mentored, and supported scholars during the summer. Degrees in the areas of Business Administration, Communication, Political Science, Science Education, Sociology, Spanish, and Sports Medicine were earned by Reach graduates still committed to the climb!

Reach for Excellence’s newly renovated location was put to good use planning the summer and Saturday programs, facilitating family conferences, conducting site visits, organizing and storing course materials, and meeting with donors.

Reach for Excellence’s success is a result of the collaborative efforts of extremely generous and dedicated people filling different roles – administration, board members, benefactors, volunteers, and teachers. Thank you for allowing Reach for Excellence to continue providing those opportunities and experiences that prepare our scholars for success in their classrooms, in their communities, and in their lives.

Sincerely,

Karen A. DessablesExecutive Director

About Reach for ExcellenceReach for Excellence is a non-profit, classroom based academic, and leadership enrichment program. In 2001, this program was begun by the Marist Fathers and Brothers, who also operate Marist School in Atlanta, Georgia. Through its mix of academic, cultural, and community based experiences, this tuition-free program prepares talented, limited income middle school students to meet the challenges of college preparatory programs and high schools. Students, along with their families, commit to three six-week summer sessions and two years of Saturday sessions throughout the school year.

$30,000 and aboveMr. & Mrs. W. James MacGinnite The Sara Giles Moore FoundationThe Society of Mary

$25,000 and abovePremiere Global, Inc.

$20,000 and aboveDeKalb County Human Development Non-Profit Partnership

$15,000 and aboveMorris Manning & Martin, LLPSartain Lanier Family Foundation

$10,000 and aboveEdward Colston FoundationMr. Tim Cambias/Mr. & Mrs. David MilesMr. & Mrs. Richard D’AmaroMr. & Mrs. Andy MoninMr. & Mrs. Steven M. RaeberMr. & Mrs. Wade StriblingUPS Foundation

$7,500 and aboveNordson Corporation FoundationPatterson Family FoundationSutherland Asbill & Brennan LLPDr. John Zora & Dr. Marian Finan

$5,000 and aboveHome Depot Foundation/ Candace RodriguezM. Winnifred O’Dell Fund of the Community Foundation for Greater AtlantaMabel Reeder Donor Advised Fund of the Community Foundation of Greater AtlantaMr. & Mrs. Richard WhiteMr. & Mrs. Rocco Testani

$2,500 and aboveMr. & Mrs. Mike BucannonMr. & Mrs. James ButlerCKC Foundation

In a recent report by the National Center for Educational Evaluation and the U.S. Department of Education entitled “Dropout Prevention”, the following figures were reported: “Each year more than half a million young people drop out of high school, and that rate has stayed consistent for the past 30 years despite increased spending on education... While dropping out typically occurs during high school, the disengagement process may begin much earlier... During their middle school years, students interest in school and their academic skills may begin to lag, so that by the time students transition to high school, students who are at risk of dropping out may need more intensive individual support to re-engage them.” This phenomenon is an even bigger issue when dealing with low income students. Students also tend to lose concepts over summer breaks. Reach for Excellence addresses these challenges.

$250 and aboveMr. James R. BlighDeKalb Path AcademyMr. & Mrs. James DorseyMr. & Mrs. William C. HinesMr. & Mrs. Jim LeimbechMs. Kay McEvoy SmithMr. & Mrs. Phil VillacciMr. & Mrs. Terry Walsh

$100 and aboveMr. & Mrs. John BrightMr. & Mrs. Norm BrothersMs. Marie Michele DessablesMr. James FryeMr. & Mrs. Keith KellerMr. & Mrs. Tommy MarshallMs. Leslie McClendonMr. & Mrs. Carlos NavarroMs. Amy O’DonoghueTrieger Fund of the Jewish Community FoundationMr. & Mrs. Richard WhiteheadMr. & Mrs. Chip Wood

$50 and aboveMr. & Mrs. Ken AthaideMs. Alison Bearman & Mr. Granger MarchmanMr. & Mrs. Lee BergMs. Bre’ Anna BrownMr. & Mrs. John GrahamMs. Rachel Wong

$25 and aboveMr. Eric Zaytzeff

Custodial IRA FBO Marie A. CreanMr. & Mrs. Timothy J. ConnollyDelta Community Credit UnionHD SupplyHavertys FurnitureBesse Johnson and George Blanton Allen Memorial FundMary Ryan and Henry G. Kuhrt FoundationMr. & Mrs. Jeff LongDr. Andrew MacGinnitie IHO Barbara & Jim MacGinnitieMr. & Mrs. Major SnowMr. & Mrs. Joseph ThompsonMr. & Mrs. Mark Westfall

$1,000 and aboveAlex and Betty Smith Donor Advised FundArrisBNKJBerner Charitable Scholarship FundMr. & Mrs. Matthew ConnellyMrs. Barbara MacGinnitie IMO Dennis CreanMs. Adria Perez Douglas Ms. Elizabeth EtollMr. & Mrs. Leroy FailsMr. & Mrs. Robert FitzgeraldMr. & Mrs. Sam RobbMr. & Mrs. Richard Rodriguez

$500 and above Ms. Lizbeth HarrisonMr. & Mrs. Walter HoffMr. & Mrs. Dino LechleiterMarist EntrepreneursMr. & Mrs. Dale MauldingMr. & Mrs. Howard MavityMrs. Barbara McGahanMr. & Mrs. John MeyersMr. & Mrs. Norman MooreShirley and Simcha Peretz Brickman Family Philanthropic FundMr. & Mrs. Steven Pritchett Mr. & Mrs. Al Trujillo

SPONSORS

August 1, 2015-July 31, 2016

GRADUATION RATES

STATE OF GEORGIA REACH FOR EXCELLENCEVisit us online and learn more about how we help change lives through providing access to education and opportunity.

Find us online atwww.ReachforExcellence.org

High School Graduation Rates for Low Income Students

62.5% 99%

STAFF AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2015–2016 FINNCIALS

Staff 2015–2016Karen DessablesExecutive Director770.936.6481dessablk@reachforexcellence.orgdessablesk@marist.com

Gigi MeyersDevelopment Director770.936.6489meyersg@reachforexcellence.orgmeyersg@marist.com

Statement of Activities and Change in Net Assets

Temporarily Permanently Unrestricted Restricted Restricted TotalPublic Support and Revenue Contributions $ 306,606 $ 100,000 $ - $ 406,606 In-Kind Contributions 108,375 - - 108,375 Interest Income 8 - - 8 Miscellaneous income 313 (19) - 294 Net Assets Released from Restrictions 68,000 (68,000) - -

Total Revenue and Support 483,302 31,981 - 515,283

Expenses Program Expenses - Mission 355,722 - - 355,722 Management and Administration 67,711 - - 67,711 Fundraising 72,468 - - 72,468

Total Expenses 495,901 - - 495,901

Changes in Net Assets (12,599) 31,981 - 19,382

Net assets, beginning of year 247,393 44,046 1,629 293,068

Net assets, end of year $ 234,794 $ 76,027 $ 1,629 $ 312,450

Assets

Current Assets Cash $ 43,214 Cash held by Marist School 1,700 Promises to Give, Net 23,000 Contributions receivable 26,918 Due from Marist School 10,920

Total Current Assets 105,752

Non-Current Assets Promises to give, net 53,000 Property and Equipment, Net 159,544

Total Non-Current Assets 212,544

Total Assets $ 318,296

Liabilities and Net Assets

Liabilities Accounts Payable $ 5,846 Total Current Liabilities 5,846

Total Liabilities 74,162

Commitment and Contingencies Net assets Unrestricted 234,794 Temporarily Restricted 76,027 Permanently Restricted 1,629

Total Net Assets 312,450

Total Liabilities and Net Assets $ 318,296

Board of Directors 2015–2016Rocco TestaniBoard Chair, Partner, Sutherland Asbill and Brennan LLP Norm BrothersGeneral Counsel and Corporate Secretary, UPS Legal Department

Bre’Anna BrownProject Attorney at King & Spalding, Reach Graduate

Patty ButlerAssistant General Counsel, Turner Broadcasting

Matt ConnellyConsultant

Katherine D’AmaroRetired Attorney, Sidley Austin, LLP

Angela DorseyVice President for Institutional Advancement, Marist School

Leroy FailsConsultant, The College Board

Rev. John Harhager, S.M.President, Marist School

W. James MacGinnitieActuary and Consultant

Thomas A. MarshallAthletic Director, Marist School

Lisa MauldingVice President, Coxe Curry and Associates

Kelly MilesRetired Advertising Account Executive for The Morrison Agency

Andy MoninPartner, Pilotfish Capital

Marianna PattersonPatterson Family Foundation

Steven J. PritchettPartner, Morris, Manning, & Martin, LLP

Stephen M. RaeberManaging Director, Credit Suisse Securities, LLC

Annamarie R. RobbDirector of Development, Queen of Angels Catholic School

Candace RodriguezAssociate General Counsel, The Home Depot

Asbury D. (Major) Snow Business Partner, The Benoit Group

Mark R. Westfall, CFADirector of Strategic Initiatives, The Coca Cola Company

Richard (Dick) WhiteRetired Bank Executive, SouthTrust Bank

Dr. Kathryn WoodRetired Principal, Queen of Angels Catholic School

L to R: Karen Dessables, Executive Director; Fr. John Harhager, S.M., Reach Board of Directors Member; and Gigi Meyers, Director of Development

Reach for Excellence graduates have been accepted to the following secondary schools:

Reach for Excellence graduates have been accepted to the following colleges and universities:

Reach for Excellence graduates have been accepted to the following graduate schools:

3790 Ashford Dunwoody Road, NEAtlanta, Georgia 30319

770 · 936 · 6481www.reachforexcellence.org

Arabia Mountain High SchoolArcher High SchoolAsheville School, NCAtlanta International SchoolThe Atlanta Girls’ SchoolBanneker High SchoolBen Franklin AcademyBenjamin E. Mays Math and Science AcademyBerkmar High School, Honors ProgramBlair Academy, NJBooker T. Washington S.T.A.R. Academy for Careers in EducationBrookwood High SchoolCentennial High SchoolCheshire Academy , CTChamblee Charter High SchoolChamblee Magnet Program for High AchieversChapel Hill High SchoolChattahoochee High SchoolClarkston High SchoolCollins Hill High SchoolColumbia High SchoolCristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit High SchoolCross Keys High SchoolThe Darlington School, GADecatur High School

Agnes Scott CollegeAlbany State UniversityAlabama A & M UniversityAmerican UniversityArmstrong Atlantic State UniversityAtlanta Metropolitan State CollegeAuburn UniversityBarnard CollegeBaylor UniversityBenedict CollegeBoston CollegeBrenau UniversityBrown UniversityCentre CollegeCalifornia Institute of the ArtsCarleton College, MNClark Atlanta University Clemson UniversityCleveland State Community CollegeCollege of CharlestonCollege of WoosterColumbia College of ChicagoColumbia UniversityCornell UniversityDartmouth CollegeDavidson CollegeDeVry Institute of TechnologyDrexel UniversityEckerd CollegeElon UniversityEmory UniversityFlorida A & M University

Harvard Law School/Junior Deferral Program North Carolina Central University School of Law Medical College of GeorgiaMercer UniversityMercer University, Walter F. George School of Law

Ohio State University College of MedicineStetson University, College of LawUniversity of California, San Francisco – Dental SchoolUniversity of Georgia, College of Pharmacy

University of Michigan – Dental SchoolUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania – Dental School

DeKalb Early College AcademyDeKalb School of the ArtsDrew Charter School Senior AcademyDruid Hills Charter High SchoolDouglas Business and Technology MagnetDuluth High School, GiftedDunwoody High SchoolEpiscopal School, VAFayette County High SchoolThe Galloway SchoolThe Global Village SchoolGrady Communications Magnet ProgramGrady High SchoolGwinnett School of Math, Science and TechnologyHapeville Charter Career AcademyHeritage High SchoolHoly Innocents’ Episcopal SchoolHorizon SchoolInternational Baccalaureate Programs at Dunwoody, Lithia Springs Marietta, M. L. King, and Tucker High SchoolsLakeside High School, HonorsLake Forest Academy , ILLangston Hughes High SchoolThe Lawrenceville School, NJLincoln AcademyThe Lovett School

Florida Institute of TechnologyFort Valley State UniversityFurman UniversityGeorgetown UniversityGeorgia Gwinnett CollegeGeorgia Institute of TechnologyGeorgia Perimeter CollegeGeorgia Southern UniversityGeorgia Southwestern State UniversityGeorgia State UniversityGeorge Washington UniversityGrambling State UniversityGuilford CollegeHampton UniversityHarvard UniversityHinds Community College, MS Houston Community College, TX Howard UniversityHuntingdon College, ALIowa State University Kennesaw State UniversityLoyola University - New OrleansMacalester College, MNMarquette UniversityMaryland Institute College of ArtMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyMercer UniversityMiddle Tennessee State UniversityMorehouse CollegeNorth Carolina A&T UniversityNorth Georgia College & University

Marist SchoolMaynard Holbrook Jackson High SchoolMays High School, Science and Math CommunityMcCallie School, TNMill Creek High SchoolMorrow High SchoolMount Vernon Presbyterian SchoolNew Schools of Carver Magnet High SchoolNorcross High SchoolNorth Atlanta International Studies Magnet High SchoolNorth Springs Art MagnetNorth Springs Science Magnet High SchoolOur Lady Of Mercy Catholic High SchoolPace AcademyThe Paideia SchoolParkview High SchoolPeachtree Ridge High School Peddie School, NJPhillips Academy-Andover, MAPhillips Exeter Academy, NH Rabun Gap – Nacoochee School, GARiverwood High SchoolRoswell High SchoolSalem Academy, NCSchool Without Walls, Washington, D.C.

Shawnee Mission North High School, KSShiloh High SchoolSouth Atlanta High SchoolSouth Cobb High School Academy of Research and Medical SciencesSouthwest DeKalb High Achievers Magnet High SchoolSprayberry High School St. Andrews, FLSt. Andrew’s – Sewanee School, TNSt. Pius X Catholic High SchoolStephenson High SchoolStockbridge High School College Preparatory ProgramSubiaco Academy, ARTri-Cities High School Magnet ProgramTucker High School, IB ProgramWebb School, TNWesleyan SchoolWestlake High School Mathematics and Science Magnet ProgramWestminster SchoolsWheeler Math and Science Magnet High SchoolWoodberry Forest School, VAWoodward Academy

Notre Dame UniversityOglethorpe UniversityOhio Wesleyan UniversityOxford College of Emory UniversityPhalander Smith College Pitzer CollegePrinceton UniversityPurdue UniversityQueens University of Charlotte, NC Reinhardt UniversityRice UniversityRhodes CollegeRochester Institute of TechnologyRollins CollegeSaint Augustine’s University Saint Leo UniversitySalem CollegeSamford UniversitySavannah College of Art and DesignSchool of the Arts Institute of ChicagoSouthern Polytechnic State UniversitySpelman CollegeSpring Hill CollegeStanford UniversityStetson UniversityStillman College Swarthmore CollegeTaledaga College Temple UniversityTennessee State University

Texas A & M University Tuskegee UniversityTulane UniversityUnion College, NYUnited States Air Force AcademyUniversity of Alabama – TuscaloosaUniversity of GeorgiaUniversity of Illinois – Urbana ChampaignUniversity of MiamiUniversity of North Carolina – Chapel HillUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pittsburgh University of TampaUniversity of West GeorgiaValdosta State UniversityVanderbilt UniversityVirginia Commonwealth UniversityVirginia State University Wake Forest UniversityWatkins College of Art, Design, & FilmWellesley CollegeWest Virginia University Williams College Worcester Polytechnic InstituteXavier UniversityYale University