The Milestones in Our History

New Futures was founded on a simple but powerful belief: when young people are given access to opportunity, support, and choice, they can build futures that uplift not only themselves, but entire communities.

The organization began in 1999, when Michael Gould (center in photo above with colorful tie) established New Futures with initial funding from the estate of his late brother, Allen Gould. Allen left Michael with a charge to “do something good,” and Michael chose to invest that gift in the young people of the Washington, DC region.

What began as a scholarship program rooted in generosity and purpose quickly became a community of individuals committed to expanding access to education and meaningful careers.

In the early years, New Futures was powered by volunteers who believed deeply in the mission. That foundation of care and commitment allowed the organization to grow thoughtfully.

In 2007, New Futures took a major step forward by hiring its first professional staff member. This moment marked a transition from a volunteer-led effort to a sustainably growing organization poised to deepen its impact.

As the needs of Scholars evolved, so did New Futures. In 2011, the organization introduced its first signature skill-building workshops, recognizing that financial support alone was not enough. Scholars needed practical tools, confidence, and guidance to navigate college and prepare for the workforce. These workshops became a cornerstone of the New Futures experience, and they helped Scholars build skills for school, career, and life.

By 2016, the organization formally expanded services to include Alumni support, ensuring that Scholars continued to receive career guidance as they transitioned into sustaining employment and long-term professional growth.

Innovation continued in 2017 with the launch of the Career Pathways model, beginning with a successful pilot in IT and cybersecurity. This marked a strategic shift toward aligning educational credentials with regional workforce needs. These direct, more affordable routes into in-demand careers reinforced New Futures’ commitment to nontraditional postsecondary pathways.

In 2018, New Futures strengthened its advising model, expanded workshops, and deepened relationships with corporate partners. These partnerships helped create clearer pipelines from education to employment. By 2019, both staff and programming had continued to grow, allowing New Futures to reach more young people with deeper, more personalized support.

Then, in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic challenged communities everywhere, and New Futures rose to meet the moment. The organization quickly pivoted to fully virtual programming, ensuring Scholars remained connected and supported during a time of unprecedented disruption. Recognizing the urgent needs many Scholars faced, New Futures also established a Scholar Emergency Fund, distributing more than $150,000 to help cover essentials and keep students on track.

Today, New Futures stands as a trusted leader in college persistence and workforce development. What began as a scholarship program has become a comprehensive, high-touch support system that meets young people where they are and walks alongside them toward rewarding careers.

As New Futures looks ahead, its history serves as both a foundation, a guide, and a reminder that lasting impact is built through adapting and always placing Scholars at the center of the work.