Future 5

Here to there: is the Future 5 character building program that is a requirement for all high school students to be considered a Future 5 member and be eligible for all other general membership benefits. Students meet weekly for a 6 week workshop to define and discuss short and long term goals and address obstacles ("gremlins") that stand in the way of reaching them: how do you get from "here to there"? Working in small groups, students and coaches discuss specific steps students can take to navigate these obstacles. Additional topics include commitment, success, grit/resilience and self advocacy. In the last session, students meet with an individual coach to devise a "game plan" for success. All other membership privileges become available to students upon graduation from this workshop: academic support, brainwave, enrichment activities, general membership support as accessed and/or needed (food, student emergencies, ambassador program, etc.). Future 5 served 209 high school students.

College success: Future 5's college success program ensures our students thrive during their college journey by connecting them to the people and resources they need to ensure college progression and secure a pathway to reach their early career goals. The focus of the college success program is to provide students with a multi-layered network of academic, financial, social/emotional and career support as our students navigate their college years. With the advent of colleges closing campuses, Future 5 found additional office space to host this program in house. 147 students participated in this program.

College prep: a year round program that guides high school seniors and juniors through the entire college search process. This workshop is staff led and formally meets between 1-2 hours per week for seniors and 2 hours monthly for juniors from january through may with volunteer support.accomplishments: 1) 100% high school graduation2) # served: 92 high school juniors & seniors participated in this program3) 289 college acceptances to 92 colleges and universities4) 93% of senior members participating in college prep committing to college; 4% military with 3% committing to trade/other5) helped students acquire over $675,000 in institutional aid and scholarship assistance

Job prep: a weekly workshop that meets january through april that focuses on "soft skills" (handshake, eye contact, first impression), "elevator pitch", career exploration, mock interviews, conflict resolution, resume preparation, job application and follow up procedures. Students are paired with coaches for a variety of role-playing scenarios. Students who complete job prep are given business cards, a letter of recommendation and copies of their resumes. Community service: our members connect to the community, develop a sense of civic responsibility, and learn the joys of giving to others. Future 5 students participated in a beautification project for kosciuszko park and collaborated with other community initiatives including wheel it forward, pollinator pathway of stamford, ari and person to person (to name a few).