Created by UCSE and formerly known as the RISE Award, the Recognizing Excellence and Classified Heroes Award honors classified employees nationally for exemplary service to students. A classified employee is defined as an employee of a state or any political subdivision of a state, or an employee of a nonprofit entity, who works in any grade from prekindergarten through high school in any of the following positions:
 

• paraprofessional, 

• clerical and administrative services, 

• transportation services, 

• food and nutrition services, 

• custodial and maintenance services, 

• security services, 

• health and student services, 

• technical services, and skilled trades. 

Each coalition partner selects a recipient from among their membership as their REACH Award winner. Honorees are recognized and presented with the award in Washington D.C.