Reach for Greatness Junior Board Program

The Reach for Greatness Junior Board empowers motivated high school students throughout the Florida Keys to develop leadership skills, serve their community, and help expand opportunities for local students.

Junior Board members act as ambassadors for Reach for Greatness by promoting scholarship opportunities, assisting with initiatives, events and fundraising, providing student perspectives, and helping identify unmet needs among Keys students.

Meet the Junior Board

We are now accepting applications for Junior Board Officers and Members

Term SEPTEMBER 2026 - MAY 2027

Please read all eligibility requirements and expectations below before applying.

Applications due August 30th 2026.

You will be notified NLT September 15th, 2026

Membership

  • 12 student members annually

  • Students in grades 9–12 attending public, private, charter, or homeschool programs in Monroe County

  • Members serve one-year terms (August–May)

  • Seniors may serve through graduation

  • Members may reapply each year

  • A maximum of three members per high school to ensure representation across the Keys.

  • Officers may serve no more than two consecutive terms in the same role.

The Junior Board should reflect diverse schools, grade levels, interests, and geographic areas across the Keys.

Selection Process

  • Students submit an application each May for the following school year. During the inaugural year, 2026 applications will be due August 30, 2026.

  • Applications are reviewed by a committee composed of Reach for Greatness board members.

  • Finalists may be invited for a brief interview.

Officer Selection

  • During the inaugural year, officers will be appointed by the Reach for Greatness Board of Directors.

  • Beginning in year two, Junior Board members will nominate and elect officer candidates, subject to approval by the Reach for Greatness Board.

  • This approach allows students to develop leadership skills while ensuring continuity and accountability.

Officer Responsibilities

President

  • Leads Junior Board meetings

  • Attends one adult board meeting each quarter.

  • Serves as the student representative to the Reach for Greatness Board of Directors

  • Coordinates projects with the Junior Board advisor

Vice President

  • Supports the President

  • Leads meetings in the President's absence

  • Oversees committees and special projects

Secretary

  • Records meeting minutes

  • Tracks attendance and service hours

  • Maintains meeting agendas and communications

Events Chair

  • Coordinates student volunteers for events

  • Assists with fundraising activities

  • Leads event planning committees

Communications Chair

  • Promotes scholarships and events

  • Assists with social media content

  • Encourages outreach within local schools

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

  • Be entering grades 9–12

  • Attend school in Monroe County (Public, Private, Charter or Homeschool)

  • Maintain a minimum 3.8 GPA

  • Demonstrate leadership potential and community involvement

  • Commit to attending at least 80% of meetings and events

  • Uphold the values of Reach for Greatness

Scholarship Recipient Requirement

  • Students do not need to be Reach for Greatness scholarship recipients to apply.

  • Current or former scholarship recipients are encouraged to apply but will not receive preferential consideration.

  • The Junior Board should remain open to all students who are passionate about expanding opportunities for their peers.

Expectations

Junior Board members are expected to:

  • Attend monthly meetings

  • Participate in at least two fundraising events annually

  • Serve as ambassadors within their schools

  • Assist with scholarship promotion efforts

  • Complete a minimum of 20 service hours benefitting Reach For Greatness each year

  • Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and respect

Application questions:

  • Name, school, grade level, email, and phone number

  • Parent/guardian contact information

  • GPA (self-reported)

  • Extracurricular activities, clubs, sports, employment, or volunteer experience

  • Have you previously received a Reach for Greatness scholarship? (Yes/No)

  • Which officer position(s), if any, interest you?

  • Why do you want to serve on the Reach for Greatness Junior Board?

  • Describe a time you demonstrated leadership, overcame a challenge, or made a positive impact in your community.

  • What skills, experiences, or perspectives would you bring to the Junior Board?

  • How would you help promote Reach for Greatness within your school or community?

  • School counselor, teacher, coach, or community reference name and email