Community college is often the best, first step toward a career or subsequent degree. New Futures leverages this undervalued pathway to invest in young people who are systemically excluded from traditional postsecondary education. Many of its under-resourced students are the first in their families to attend college and lack the financial support to attend a full-time or four-year program. New Futures gives them scholarships and a comprehensive range of skill-building workshops to participate in. Every Scholar is also paired with an advisor who proactively builds a connection and offers support beyond academics. This holistic approach matters for Scholars navigating complex circumstances, like immigration challenges or parenting responsibilities. With 97% of alumni now employed or enrolled in a subsequent program, New Futures is a launchpad for all youth to achieve their dreams.
Headquarters: DC-Ward 2
Where They Operate: DC-Citywide; MD-Montgomery County; MD-Prince George's County; VA-Arlington County; VA-Fairfax County; VA-City of Alexandria; VA-City of Fairfax; VA-City of Falls Church
Age Groups Served: Pre-teen/teen (12-17); Young adult (18-24)
Population(s) Served: Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members; Men/Boys; Women/Girls; Students; Immigrants/Refugees; Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members
- New Future Scholar completion rate (compared to a 29% national graduation rate for students attending two-year institutions, according to the National Center for Education Statistics):
70% - New Futures five-year persistence rate; this includes Scholars who have completed their programs as well as those still in their post-secondary programs. :
87% - Total dollars awarded in scholarships to nearly 500 low-income youth in the DC region :
$3.55 million - Scholars and Alumni served through our Scholars program to date:
500+ - Number of DC region youth reached through New Futures' post-secondary education and career fairs and workshops in 2015:
1000+
Awards & Recognition
• Earned the Hugh A. Johnson, Jr. Memorial Equal Justice Award from the Hispanic Bar Association of the District of Columbia
• Received recognition in 2008, 2013 and 2016 by the Catalogue for Philanthropy as “One of the Best Small Charities in the DC Area”
Press
- What If College Just Isn't for Everyone?
Tue Mar 16 2010, USA Today
New Futures founder and president Mike Gould is quoted in a 3/16/10 USA Today article questioning college as the best option for everyone.
- The (New) Future of Community Colleges
Fri Nov 20 2009, NPR Intern Edition Website
This 5-minute NPR audio story features New Futures and some of its students and programs.
- Giving Thanks for Good People and Good Deeds
Sun Nov 23 2008
Toward the end of Marc Fisher's Sunday column in the Washington Post, he highlights the New Futures scholarship program and how it is unique.
Budget (FY2023)
- $3 million or higher
- The current budget for New Futures is: $1 million to $3 million
- $500k to $1 million
- Less than $500k
Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to
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