The Heart Behind Reach and Teach’s Programs Manager

The Heart Behind Reach and Teach’s Programs Manager

Reach and Teach is supported by a dedicated team committed to expanding student opportunities. Among them is Ashlyn, the Programs Manager, who recently shared insights into her role and experiences.

Ashlyn’s involvement with Reach and Teach began as a student when she and her former teacher, April Clark, helped launch the organization by organizing a concert to fund a school trip. In fall 2021, April invited Ashlyn to join as a volunteer, where she contributed to newsletters, attended team meetings, and learned about the organization’s operations. When a formal position became available in 2022, Ashlyn became Event Coordinator, supporting programs and live events as the organization expanded. By 2024, she advanced to Programs Manager, overseeing programming and maintaining strong connections with schools, students, and educators.

For Ashlyn, one of the most meaningful parts of her role isn’t just the work, it’s the people. She describes the Reach and Teach team as more than coworkers; they are family. They have supported one another through major life moments, built trust over time, and grown together alongside the organization. That sense of community extends beyond the office and into the schools. One of her favorite moments is visiting classrooms and events and watching students experience their “lightbulb moment,” when a new idea clicks, or when a student begins to see a future they hadn’t considered before.

No two days look exactly the same in her position. On a typical office day, Ashlyn balances a wide range of responsibilities: answering emails, coordinating with teachers to plan upcoming programs, creating and reviewing social media content, and managing student demographic data to ensure Reach and Teach continues to understand and serve its audience effectively. On concert or event days, her role shifts into high gear. She networks with partners, assists wherever needed, and moves behind the scenes to make sure everything runs smoothly from start to finish.

At the heart of all this work is student impact. Ashlyn hopes that students walk away from Reach and Teach programs with more than just information. Confidence is key—confidence in themselves, in their ideas, and in their ability to work as part of a team. She also wants students to gain exposure to careers in the entertainment industry, many of which feel out of reach or invisible to young people. Learning how to collaborate, communicate, and contribute meaningfully in a group setting is just as important as learning about the industry itself.

When asked to describe Reach and Teach’s mission to someone hearing about it for the first time, Ashlyn puts it simply: Reach and Teach gives students the opportunity to explore careers and discover passions within the entertainment industry. It’s about opening doors, sparking curiosity, and showing students that creative, nontraditional career paths are real and attainable.

Working with Reach and Teach has also reshaped Ashlyn’s own perspective on education. She has seen firsthand that many students are searching for learning experiences that go beyond homework, tests, and worksheets. Students crave hands-on opportunities and spaces where they can create, collaborate, and express themselves. Reach and Teach meets that need by offering programs that blend education with creativity, allowing students to engage in learning in a way that feels meaningful and exciting.

Through her journey from volunteer to programs manager, Ashlyn embodies the heart of Reach and Teach: growth, connection, and a commitment to meeting students where they are. Her work, and the work of the entire team, continues to prove that when students are given access, encouragement, and real-world experiences, learning becomes something they want to be part of.