Our Programs

RUE believes that circumstances should not dictate a child's future and that every child should reach for their full potential from high school to college, career, and life. To cultivate that, we provide a holistic, research-based continuum of academic, youth development, and basic needs support designed to empower children and their families to succeed.

Our Services

  • From Programs to Passage

    From Programs to Passage is a 90-minute faith-rooted workshop for urban youth workers, coaches, and mentors who want to move beyond behavior management and into true formation. Participants will learn a rites-of-passage framework grounded in Scripture and rehumanizing practice that helps youth develop identity, self-regulation, discipline, and responsibility under real-world pressure. This training equips leaders to act as initiators and elders—forming grounded, accountable young leaders rather than managing survival behaviors.

  • Reach High Academy

    The Reach High: Dream Big Workshop is a fun, one-day experience for younger students inspired by the book Reach High, Reach for the Sky. Through storytelling, creative activities, and hands-on exploration, students are encouraged to imagine all the exciting possibilities for their future.

    Together, we’ll read Emily’s story and then guide students in dreaming about what they can become—whether it’s an artist, a scientist, an athlete, or something entirely unique! With writing, drawing, and group activities, children will learn that their dreams matter and that they have the potential to achieve great things.

    This workshop is designed to spark imagination, build confidence, and empower students to “reach high and reach for the sky.”

  • L.E.A.D. the Way

    This professional development workshop is designed to equip educators, mentors, and youth workers with practical tools to strengthen leadership development in the young people they serve. Drawing on the discipline of combat sports and the proven L.E.A.D. framework (Live, Edify, Advocate, Succeed), participants will explore strategies for cultivating resilience, purpose, and social responsibility in youth.

    Flexible in format, this training can be delivered as a 15-week curriculum for ongoing professional learning or a one-day seminar for staff development. Attendees will gain actionable approaches to mentorship, values-based goal setting, and youth engagement that can be integrated directly into classrooms, after-school programs, and community-based initiatives.

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Youth & Adult Martial Arts

As an initiative of Reach Urban Empowerment, Inc., we are committed to providing high-quality training to the youth of inner-city Washington, D.C. Our mission is to create a supportive and empowering environment where students of all backgrounds can develop discipline, confidence, and resilience. We believe that martial arts is more than just physical training—it’s a tool for personal growth, character development, and success in life. By offering affordable programs, we ensure that financial barriers never stand in the way of a child’s opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

Our Programs

Legacy Leaders

Legacy Leaders is a dynamic leadership development program for youth ages 8–18 that uses martial arts, service opportunities, and culturally rooted rites of passage to help young people grow into confident, purpose-driven leaders. Grounded in the values of Live, Edify, Advocate, and Determination to Succeed (L.E.A.D.), this program combines physical discipline, community engagement, and spiritual development to equip young people with the tools they need to lead with integrity and resilience. Through age-appropriate leadership lessons, mentorship, hands-on service, and the celebration of Black history and faith, students strengthen their character, deepen their sense of purpose, and step boldly into their leadership journey.

REACH Beyond

For many children, a field trip with RUE is the first time they cross the Anacostia River and see common landmarks like the Capitol or the Washington Monument. RUE organizes trips to various locations, including Smithsonian museums, sporting events, and theater performances, throughout the metro area.  In the summer, RUE brings children to the pool, hiking, and camping to spend time outdoors.