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National Reach as High as You Can Day

With determination as fuel, embark on exciting adventures, conquer challenges, and turn dreams into reality, one milestone at a time.

Attitudes & Emotions Education Life & Living62

Marketing angleinferred

Inspire your audience to pursue higher education and career advancement by aligning your brand with aspirational goal-setting and personal growth messaging in April.

Relevance 62medium intent

Share customer success stories of career pivots and educational milestones achieved
Create a 'Goal-Setting Challenge' encouraging followers to define and share their biggest ambitions
Partner with motivational content (film clips, quotes) to inspire audience engagement around personal achievement
Highlight scholarship programs, training courses, or career development resources your brand offers

History

When former First Lady Michelle Obama began to speak out about the need for more Americans to be educated past a high school diploma, this passion contributed to the launch of the Reach Higher Initiative in 2014.

Even beyond her time as First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama has continued to tell her own story of being a first generation college student who enrolled at Princeton.

That encouragement to go further, combined with an effort to provide high school students with more access to school guidance counselors, was likely part of the motivation behind National Reach As High As You Can Day.

Some sources credit motivational speaker, Les Brown, as the founder of Reach as High as You Can Day in 2008.

Since its inception, the hope is that this encouraging day will continue to grow in scope and creativity as more people are encouraged to participate, whether in school, in the workplace, in places of higher education or among the community.

There’s always more potential to be reached and the sky is the limit when it comes to National Reach As High As You Can Day!

How to celebrate

Set Goals or Work Toward Those Goals

Those who haven’t yet gotten their goals down on paper might want to spend some time on National Reach As High As You Can Day brainstorming some ideas. After all, how is it possible to know where to reach if there are no tangible goals? Folks who already have their goals made can take some time on this important day to make steps in the right direction of those goals. Sure, it might be a long term goal, but each day brings the opportunity to move in the right direction!

Watch Films About Reaching Higher

Whether told through books or films, stories are a great way to get inspired by the way others, whether fictional or biographical, have lived out their dreams. Have fun watching some of these movies to connect with the characters and find motivation behind them: Rocky (1976). A classic Academy Award winning film which was written by Sylvester Stallone, who also starred in the movie. This story is about a poor debt collector who sidelines as a boxer but eventually gets an opportunity to fight against a heavyweight champ.Forrest Gump (1994). Played by Tom Hanks, Forrest goes on a huge adventure and eventually finds himself back with his childhood sweetheart. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006). Will Smith portrays Chris Gardener in this portrayal inspired by a true story of a man who went from being a homeless single father to creating a better life for his son. The Life of Pi (2012). Adapted from Yann Martel’s novel, this film tells the story of a young survivor in the sea who then heads out on a grand journey, making a connection with an unexpected friend – a Bengal tiger.

Apply for and Attend College

According to Michelle Obama, an important aspect of reaching high is getting an education after high school. Whether applying for and enrolling in a 4-year university, trade school, or community college, the opportunities for those with a college education are higher than those who have gone to high school. Set those sights high and then aim for the stars in celebration of National Reach As High As You Can Day! Those who are looking for resources to help with college applications, financial aid and more, can access information and resources through the official White House website, including toolkits, links, financial aid calculators, logos and more.

Make a Soundtrack for Reaching High

What could be a better way to accompany National Reach As High As You Can Day than with music?! This is a great time to create an inspiring soundtrack and then play it on repeat. Whether listening with headphones on a morning job or blasting it in the car on the way to work, a playlist that encourages folks to aim high and reach higher is just what is needed for celebrating this day. Get a playlist started with some of these fun ideas for songs that inspire: Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey (1981)Part of Your World by Jodi Benson (1989 from The Little Mermaid)High Hopes by Panic! At The Disco (2018)We Are the Champions by Queen (1977)

FAQ

How can someone set ambitious goals without becoming overwhelmed or discouraged?

Research in psychology suggests that people are more likely to achieve ambitious goals when they break them into smaller, specific steps, set realistic deadlines, and track progress regularly. Using techniques such as setting “SMART” goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time bound) and focusing on one or two priorities at a time can reduce overwhelm and increase motivation. It also helps to plan for obstacles in advance and decide how to respond if things do not go exactly as expected.

Does going to college or trade school actually improve a person’s long-term prospects?

Large international and national studies consistently find that completing some form of postsecondary education, whether a university degree, community college credential, or vocational training, is associated with higher earnings, lower unemployment risk, and better health outcomes over a lifetime compared with only a high school education. The size of the benefit varies by country, field of study, and local labor markets, but overall, education beyond high school tends to expand career options and economic security.

What is a growth mindset and how does it affect someone’s ability to “reach higher”?

A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, good strategies, and help from others, rather than being fixed traits. Studies have found that people with a growth mindset are more likely to embrace challenges, persist after setbacks, and see mistakes as chances to learn, which can lead to better academic and professional outcomes over time. This outlook encourages individuals to set higher goals because they view improvement as possible with sustained work.

Do inspirational movies and stories really help people achieve their goals, or are they just entertainment?

Inspirational stories can play a useful role when they prompt people to imagine themselves succeeding, clarify what they value, or feel connected to others who have overcome obstacles. Research on “narrative persuasion” shows that engaging with compelling stories can influence beliefs and intentions, particularly when audiences identify with the characters. However, stories are most effective when paired with concrete planning and action, rather than used alone as motivation.

Is it ever too late in life to aim for higher education or a new career path?

Studies of adult learners show that people who return to education or retrain later in life can gain significant personal and economic benefits, including increased employability, better health, and greater life satisfaction. While adults may face barriers such as time, cost, or family responsibilities, flexible options like part-time study, online courses, and workplace training have made midlife or later transitions to new qualifications and careers increasingly feasible.

How do guidance counselors and mentoring actually influence students’ chances of pursuing higher education?

Evidence from school and community programs indicates that access to qualified counselors and mentors can substantially increase the likelihood that students, especially those from low-income or first-generation backgrounds, will apply to and enroll in postsecondary education. Counselors and mentors help students understand their options, navigate applications and financial aid, and build confidence in their ability to succeed, which reduces common informational and psychological barriers.

What are some common misconceptions about setting “high” goals that can hold people back?

A frequent misconception is that aiming high means never failing or constantly working without rest, which can lead to burnout and avoidance. Research on achievement shows that progress often involves cycles of effort, setback, and adjustment, and that taking breaks and revising goals is part of effective self-regulation, not a sign of weakness. Another misconception is that goals must match what peers or family expect, when in fact people tend to be more persistent and satisfied when their goals align with their own values and interests.