Contact Us
314 270-2803
ABOUT US
"Every child has the potential to succeed when we honor their unique experiences, meet them where they are, and empower them with the tools, support, and compassion they deserve. By bridging education, family, and community, we create pathways for resilience, growth, and lasting success."
Melvina "Mel" Brown, MSW is a visionary change agent with a blended background in social work and education spanning more than 35 years. Highlights includes Public School Data Analyst, Paraeducator, Social Services Business Analyst and Automation Consultant, Foster Care Administrative Review Program Manager, Child Welfare Training Specialist, Hospital Social Work Director, Child Abuse & Neglect Case Manager and Clinician and Federal Grant Reviewer for then Children's Bureau, Health, Education & Welfare.
A product of St. Louis, Missouri public schools and a graduate of Howard University, Washington, D.C. with a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Social Work, Mel Brown is deeply passionate about improving the futures of disenfranchised young people .
Our Mission
"Cultivating Knowledge, Expanding Capacity, and Relentlessly Pursuing Success"
Our mission at REAP (Reaching Educational and Academic Potential) is to empower individuals to achieve their full potential in education and academic expression by providing advocacy, coaching, adaptive tutoring, mentoring, resource acquisition, and short-term case management. We focus on improving academic performance and educational outcomes for economically and socially disadvantaged youth and young adults, with a particular emphasis on K-12 students.
We accomplish our mission through, parental empowerment and coaching, resource pairing, grant-seeking, training, and coalition-building, while also promoting and advocating for the best interests of our clients through research, letter writing, and other forms of direct support.
REAP collaborated with the men of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity to send five of our students to summer camp. They later achieved inducted into Kappa League, a mentoring and development program.
Partners Matters
Darnell Marshall, Principal - Illinois
At the request of REAP, Mr. Marshall granted a 3rd grader summer use of a Chromebook for tutoring.
Dr. Carey Cunningham, Educational Consultant
Virtual School Coaching & Consulting
REAP partnered with Virtual School Coaching, LLC to obtain a $30,000 technology grant for Principal Marshall.
Meet the Team
At REAP (Reaching Educational and Academic Potential), our team is a dedicated group of professionals committed to empowering students and families through education, advocacy, and support. With diverse backgrounds in social work, education, and child development, we bring a unique, holistic approach to helping every learner thrive. Each team member shares a passion for closing educational gaps, fostering confidence, and addressing the individual needs of students in the context of their unique social and academic challenges. Together, we strive to create a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child can reach their full potential.
