Each year, thousands of East Texas students return to class after time in suspension or alternative placements. These students struggle to catch up academically, feel isolated from their peers, or doubt their ability to succeed. Next Step’s Youth Development program bridges that gap by giving students practical skills for the classroom and life by building resilience, restoring confidence, and helping them re-engage in school so they can move forward toward a bright, productive future.
What We Do
REACH is a five-session class designed for high school students attending a DAEP (Disciplinary Alternative Education Program) campus. Led by our prevention and behavioral health team, these discussion-based groups give students a chance to pause, reflect, and gain the tools they need to succeed as they reenter the classroom.
The program is evidence-informed and strengths-based, focusing on self-awareness, emotional regulation, healthy coping skills, positive decision-making, and building strong relationships. Students also explore the impact of substance use and learn strategies for making healthier choices and taking ownership of their choices and future.
More than just an intervention, REACH is a bridge. By supporting students early and connecting them with resources, the program helps students regain their footing, rebuild confidence, and discover the strength to succeed in life and in school.
Program Impact
These skills reduce repeat placements and support smoother transitions back to campus.
Program Sites
Athens DAEP
Brownsboro DAEP
Bullard DAEP
Kilgore DAEP
Mabank DAEP
Malakoff DAEP
Sabine DAEP
Spring Hill DAEP
White Oak DAEP
Whitehouse DAEP
Winona DAEP
Henderson County Juvenile Probation
Testimonials
Bring REACH to Your Campus
We know every school faces unique challenges and every student deserves the chance to succeed when they return to class. That’s why we partner directly with districts to make REACH a seamless extension of your student support system and DAEP program.
Our team will work with you to:
- Align REACH with your campus goals and student needs
- Provide facilitators trained in prevention and behavioral health
- Share outcomes and insights to help you measure impact
Together, we can create smoother transitions, reduce repeated discipline referrals, and help students re-enter the classroom with confidence and hope.
To learn more about bringing REACH to your campus, email our team at REACH@nextstepcsi.com.