New Futures Believes in Young People
The first time Katie Bodie, a New Futures Scholars Program Advisor, met her Scholar Ahnaf, she could tell immediately that it was the start of a fruitful advising relationship. “He was very open to collaborating with me,” she said. Despite being one of the youngest Scholars in the cohort that year, Ahnaf was “eager to take note of any little piece of advice I had to offer… and act upon it.”
Katie’s determination to learn about Ahnaf made him feel comfortable opening up to her and move past the initial nervousness he felt as a first-time Scholar. “One thing I enjoy about her is her dedication to helping the Scholar. She really listens to every single minor detail a Scholar mentions in every meeting, and she becomes like a detective putting all the clues together and helping me achieve my goals,” Ahnaf said. “That inspires me and makes me feel like someone always has my back, and I feel very supported.”
In addition to personalized advising, Ahnaf received a financial scholarship, skill-building workshops, and networking opportunities. After a year and a half under his belt, he’s about to graduate early from Northern Virginia Community College as an Information Technology major and plans to attend George Mason University.
Ahnaf receiving his New Futures scholarship at Scholar Award Celebration in February 2023.
“A lot of students in college have the burden of getting extra class materials paid for, different services that different professors ask for,” Ahnaf shared. “The financial support New Futures provides me allows me to solely focus on my academic work and worry less about the school supplies.”
Twice a year, New Futures invests in systemically excluded young people in the Greater Washington region who plan to pursue an associate degree or professional certification. As the economy and workforce change, half of all positions filled in the next five years will require some postsecondary credentials but less than a bachelor’s degree. New Futures is the only organization in this region with an intentional focus on postsecondary credentials outside the traditional four-year college model, building a pipeline to high-growth industries and financial well-being.
After a rigorous recruitment cycle, selected applicants join a cohort of Scholars comprised of young people from the entire DMV region. Advisors like Katie welcome and celebrate them at the Scholar Award Ceremony, help them understand how to take advantage of New Futures programming at Orientation, and continually support them throughout their journeys. Upon completing their initial postsecondary credential, Scholars graduate into an alumni community with access to further career advising and professional development.
Ahnaf and fellow Scholar, Ahmad, at Scholars Weekend in 2023.
“One of the most memorable experiences I’ve had with New Futures is Scholars Weekend,” Ahnaf said. “Once a year, our new Scholars get truly special experience where they come with us for a weekend and focus on team-building and other opportunities to grow different skills,” Katie added. Out at the Claggett Center in Adamstown, MD, a group of 75 Scholars and advisors meet each other, learn together, and have fun. The activity that pushed Ahnaf out of his comfort zone most? His first time ever doing a zipline.
“Something I love about being an advisor is that I have the chance to work with Scholars in different capacities,” Katie said. “We meet them where they are… When I know a Scholar has an important thing coming up, like the start of an internship, I’m noting that, and I’m celebrating them on the first day of their internship.”
That kind of advocacy and relationship-building is invaluable. To sum up his whole experience with New Futures in a few words, Ahnaf chose — Friendly. Growth.
You can get a Taste of New Futures on October 4, 2024, by attending their rooftop cocktail reception, featuring global cuisines and cultural exhibits from countries in the New Futures community. Visit their website to learn more and support.