New Futures provides financial assistance to help very low-income youth and young people complete their post-secondary education and become financially self-sufficient. We are focused on filling the gap for students who are often left behind in the educational system due to poverty.

Our philosophy is driven by a vital understanding of education and its important role in the lives of young adults. Research and Data collects recent studies, reports and surveys that inform our thinking as we award scholarships to deserving students.

The New Futures approach is unique in that it:

• Reaches low-income students who have little access to alternative sources of financing and would not able to continue their education without this support;
• Provides, with the partnership of community-based organizations, a special combination of financial aid and mentoring support for each student.
• Takes into account that not everyone has the same goal toward a college degree. It therefore focuses significantly on non-college, vocational programs that swiftly lead to well-paying, professional jobs;

In a unique model of operation, New Futures has created partnerships with some of DC’s most effective community-based organizations. These organizations nominate their most deserving young people to our Selection Committee, and continue to mentor and monitor those selected throughout their post-secondary education.

New Futures awards scholarships for two types of postsecondary education:

• Vocational – providing 90 percent, up to a total of $12,000, in tuition and associated costs for students pursuing a post-secondary credential or certification. Our students pursue programs in fields such as computer technology, medical assistance and billing, cosmetology and culinary arts.

• College bound – awarding $1,500 per semester, up to $12,000, for students enrolled in community colleges and four-year degree programs. Our award enables financially precarious students to close the gap after Pell grants and other financial assistance have been applied to tuition and other school-related costs.

To learn more, see our 2010 Annual Report (pdf).