UI REACH Launches New Strategic Goals

Over the past year, stakeholder feedback was gathered to inform the direction that UI REACH should take over the next three years.

After review of the program data (including stakeholder feedback surveys, key metrics, and information collected via focus groups) and discussing the revision to the UI REACH strategic priorities, UI REACH has adopted the following strategic goals for 2025-2028. The program evaluation plan for 2025-2026 includes objectives related to each strategic priority.

Strategic Priority 1: Strengthen Student Support and Inclusion
Associated Program Evaluation Objectives for 2025-2026:

  1. Implement “Pathways” plan restructuring student academic and career options
  2. Enhance alumni and youth services offered

Strategic Priority 2: Enhance Personal and Professional Opportunities for Growth for UI REACH Staff
Associated Program Evaluation Objectives for 2025-2026:

  1. Increase professional development opportunities for staff to enhance their skills and knowledge including collaboration with other inclusive postsecondary programs
  2. Develop a plan for succession and talent management to ensure program sustainability including the exploration of organizational restructuring options

Strategic Priority 3: Streamline Processes and Improve Efficiency
Associated Program Evaluation Objectives for 2025-2026:

  1. Continued development and update of standard operating procedures aligned with best practice (accreditation) to maintain quality while increasing efficiency using staff and other workgroups
  2. Continue implementation of centralized documentation system to reduce inefficiencies and ensure timely documentation (e.g., Salesforce)

Strategic Priority 4: Address Financial and Resource Challenges That Threaten Sustainability
Associated Program Evaluation Objectives for 2025-2026:

  1. Identify and pursue scholarship and other funding opportunities to make the program more affordable
  2. Explore/expand youth initiatives as a means of expanding program impact and developing additional revenue streams

UI REACH stakeholders will play a key role in helping achieve these goals and objectives. If you’d like to be involved, or if you have ideas, connections, or resources that could be an asset, please contact Bill Loyd at william-loydjr@uiowa.edu.