The Futures Fellowship

OUR MISSION IS TO CREATE AND SUSTAIN LASTING MENTORING RELATIONSHIPS

WITH HIGH POTENTIAL, UNDER-RESOURCED YOUNG ADULTS

The Futures Fellowship began in 2021 as an ambitious experiment—a new approach to mentorship for high-potential but under-resourced young adults. In contrast to the standard model that “pairs” one mentor with one mentee for a defined period, our goal has always been for each of our Fellows to build meaningful, long-term relationships with multiple mentors. To achieve this goal, a committed group of mentors (link here to mentors’ page), all with different skill sets, networks and personal styles have worked as a team, collectively supporting a total of 35 Futures Fellows as they navigate their personal and professional futures.

The Original Futures Fellowship Program

Futures Fellows were selected for their maturity, initiative, and readiness to grow. Four different cohorts (a total of 35 Futures Fellows) completed a structured nine-month program including group workshops, one-on-one coaching, and ongoing conversations with all the mentors. While the program supported career development and advancement, its broader goal was to build confidence, clarity, and—most importantly-meaningful relationships.

Over time, the Fellowship’s most significant outcome became clear: continuity. Alumni continued seeking guidance, collaboration, and support well beyond the nine-month structure. The community sustained itself—and, so, naturally evolved from a time-bound Fellowship into the Alumni Collective that exists today.

The Futures Fellowship Alumni Network

The organic success of the formal Fellowship program resulted in its evolution into the Futures Fellowship Alumni Collective. The Futures Fellowship remains active through an intentional community of ongoing counsel and trust. Mentors continue to serve as advisors and sounding boards, deepening relationships that began when mentees participated in the formal Fellowship program. The Alumni Collective also seeks to strengthen bonds among our alumni, through quarterly programming that enables our mentees to be thought partners and allies for each other.

The success of the program is such that potential candidates are often referred; mentors evaluate each referral as it arises and are developing thoughtful ways to onboard new Fellows—integrating them with previous cohorts while ensuring the community continues