This is a remarkable non-profit organization that works directly with high school kids to prepare them in multiple ways to access colleges, succeed in graduating, and contribute to building community in Stamford, Connecticut. The staff and volunteers are inspiring, and the kids go on to achieve remarkable levels of success.
Future 5 is an inspiring organization. I have been a volunteer for over three years and I have to say I get just as much out of it than I give. I have met amazing humans that care so much about the students success, even beyond the classroom. There are vast resources available to students, to name a few, tutoring, job prep, college coaching, mentorship, community service. I rave about this organization to anyone that will listen and is open to give back. 100% recommend to get involved either as a student or a volunteer.
I have been a volunteer at Future 5 for about five years. In that time I have to say I have gained more than I have given! Future 5 is an amazing place where students thrive with the help of outstanding staff members and committed volunteers. Just to be in the presence of these students is an energizing experience. One of the roles available to volunteers is to be a college coach, where you are matched one-on-one with a student to help them navigate the college application and financial aid process. The staff provides ongoing training and help to the volunteer to allow you to help that student succeed, and it's a very rewarding process. There are also many other volunteer opportunities in academics, community service projects, employment skills training, office support, and just plain fun--joining with students to celebrate their accomplishments. Whether you are looking to volunteer, or to donate to an organization that will use your donation wisely and effectively, I highly recommend Future 5.
As a Columbia Teachers College certified college admissions counselor I have volunteered at Future 5 since 2019 supporting students and their caregivers navigate their post secondary high school plans. Future 5 has a clear mission to meet their students where they are in their lives. The quality of the leadership, staff and volunteers is impressive. The entire organization is dedicated to supporting all students create goals, navigate challenges and celebrate success. I feel fortunate to be part of this incredible group of collaborative professionals and volunteers.
After nearly a year of volunteering with Future 5 I am consistently impressed with their dedication to the students and doing everything possible to help them achieve success. The staff is collaborative, dedicated and fun to work with— a winning combination for any organization. As a volunteer with no previous experience working with teens they warmly welcomed me into the coaching crew and have been terrific at giving me opportunities to learn the ropes and interact with the students. Future 5 is worthy both of your time and dollars!
I have volunteered at many different organizations over the years, but none as effective and impressive as F5. The people there are dedicated, compassionate and go above and beyond for the kids in their program. Two years in I couldn't be prouder to be working with them.
I came to Future in 2017, via a friend's recommendation, hoping to volunteer in some capacity. As it turned out I had some knowledge that could help high school seniors find, and obtain, college scholarships from various corporations and organizations.
Since that time I have committed myself to this amazing group of students and I am constantly awed by their aptitude and perseverance in every task they take on from AP courses to outstanding dedication and participation in community service.
It has been a honor to be part of the Future 5 community and to work with this exceptional group of students.
Futue 5 does wonderful things for the students it supports! From the moment students begin their journey with Future 5 they are taught life changing skills by people who genuinely care about helping them succeeding. Besides helping them through the college application process Future 5 provides a place for them to make friends, connections and grow as induividuals. The variety of programs offered as well as the tutoring and coaching are all ways in which Future 5 provides each student a Master Class in Life.
As a volunteer for over five years I am proud to be part of the Future 5 Team
I had never heard of Future5 until late 2024 when a friend who volunteers for the organization explained it to me. I initially volunteered for a few hours a week driving students to various activities. More recently, I took on an expanded role that includes manning a reception desk and a variety of coaching activities. What Clif McFeely and his team have created over the last 15+ years is nothing short of amazing. The vibe generated by students, staff and volunteers cannot be bought or fabricated. Having just moved into its larger headquarters, Future5 now offers students even more space to gather and gain support from 9-5 Monday through Friday. Various local restaurants and stores are quite generous in their food donations. I am quite fortunate to be part of the Future5 team!
When I moved to Stamford, CT, I looked for a nonprofit organization where I could volunteer. I am so fortunate to have found Future 5, which aligns strongly with my values and is a gift to local underserved high school students. In the past two years, I have served as a college coach, writing coach, and provided communications support to staff. Future 5 provides its student members with a wide-range of holistic programs — tutoring, coaching through the college application process, help for those interested in trade school, certificate programs or the military, community service, job prep, and more. Support continues after members graduate and go to college and enter the world of work. Future 5’s staff is committed and welcoming, treating each member as the special person she/he is. I have spent most of my career in the nonprofit sector — as a consultant, administrator, and volunteer. Future 5 ranks as one of the most impressive organizations I have had the pleasure to work with.
Future 5 is a gem and I am proud to have the organization here in Stamford, Ct. where I reside. I have had a variety of roles in the past 10 years and have witnessed many students reach their goals. These goals are set by each student and what Future 5 does is bring its secret sauce to make them happen. The joy of this organization enables volunteers to work with students of the community where each one maps out a plan and achieves it. Some of our members start as freshman and some hear of the organization from siblings and their respective high schools. Lasting friendships are made where volunteers and students continue to work together even after college. Emphasis is not only put on academics but holistically on the development of each student. A big part of Future 5 is service to others which includes the community and to fellow Future 5 students. A wide variety of programs enable each Future 5 student to become engaged and to discover world views and topics which one might not have the time to discuss in school. Future 5 is a non-judgmental milieu where students thrive. I highly recommend this organization.
I have watched & been part of this organization for nearly 10 years. The success they have with students’ graduation/college rates is truly impressive. The staff know and remember each student and it is a happy, safe place for all.
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I have been volunteering for Future 5 for 8-10 years. The dedication of the staff and volunteers is quite breathtaking. The organization provides a safe, dry warm/cool space for students to congregate after school each day and gives them snacks to tide them over until dinner. The kids have full access to any and all staff and learn through workshops about interviewing for jobs, getting into college/military/trade school. They are coached every step of the way about anything in their lives with which they need help. It is a privilege to be a part of such a worthy non-profit.
Consistently and earnestly conducts programs and offers services to area youth to assist them in reaching their highest potential. Remarkable results in lifting high schoolers to broader and brighter futures.
Really understands and addresses the needs of it students. Wonderful staff and well constructed programing. They also making volunteering easy and satisfying.
Future Five is an amazing organization, dedicated to helping under-served high school students in Stamford develop their future opportunities. I have been an active volunteer for over two years and have found the experience to be very rewarding. It is one of the few non-profits available to help young adults navigate the college application process or other career goals. It is an organization that truly makes a difference in the lives of many young students in Stamford.
Future 5 kids joined us this year at the HeyStamfordFoodFest and they were amazing! The kids here are smart talented and love to help and make the community a better places. It was a privilege to meet the children and hear their story's. What an amazing nonprofit! Very helpful and kind children. Thank you guys again !
-Hey Stamford Food Fest Team
I have been a volunteer at Future 5 for three years and have found the experience very rewarding.
The Future 5 staff could not be more appreciative and supportive of the volunteers' efforts to help Stamford high school students navigate the college application process.
Carl
This is a super well run organization which delivers real results with every dollar donated. Competent staff and motivated students who achieve great success.
I am a college coach for motivated, under-resourced high school seniors who are members of Future 5. I work with them to identify and apply to suitable colleges and apply for scholarships. Along the way, we prepare a resume, visit and identify suitable colleges, develop a strong application profile, prepare application essays, and secure financial aid. It is very rewarding to work with under-resourced students to make the transition to post-secondary education and careers.
During the past several years I've enjoyed working with not only the people/volunteers at Future 5 but also the high school students who's lives we help shape in so many positive ways. The conversations, the community service, the resume reviews, the "how to tie a tie" sessions, college guidance, are all super valuable and really make a difference. Our youth of America can always use additional role models and people connections.
I have volunteered in many rolls at Future 5 over the last 3 years. I always leave feeling like I have truly helped someone and my time was well spent. I have served as a college coach for high school seniors helping them with the college selection process, and their college and scholarship applications. Most Future 5 students are the first in their family to attend a college, so the process is overwhelming for both them and their parents. Future 5's mission is to make this an affordable reality for most students.
I have also volunteered taking kids to yoga classes, stuffing envelopes for the annual appeal, and helping with an orientation program for new students and workshops on how to get a job. They have all different types of volunteer opportunities. I have enjoyed meeting all of the other volunteers as well as the amazing staff. It is always such a happy, uplifting, positive environment.
Future 5 does an incredible job of helping high school students become better prepared for college/next steps – and really have the best interests in mind for the kids. Future 5 offers local kids a full suite of advice and unparalleled guidance through one-on-one college counseling. The introduction to companies in the area and focus on community service provides realistic well-rounded exposure to life and potential careers. The students greatly benefit from working together with counselors to produce a game plan that will take them to the next level.
A Future 5 Student enters into the program as a member of a 'rave'. Encouraged socially and academically by peers, staff and coaches (volunteers), the Future 5 student is welcomed and valued. The respect among students and all adults is mutual as we all learn from each other.
Student confidence develops exponentially with this level of support. There are many opportunities for engagement with community, both professional and recreational. Students are asked to participate in community service projects in addition to achieving academically in their respective schools. (There is remediation available if a student needs tutoring.....we all need tutoring!) In my experience, the Future 5 member meets and exceeds these expectations. They learn to believe in their abilities due in large part because they trust that we believe in them - and we do!
Future Five has provided an invaluable role in the Stamford Community providing a pathway for under resourced public school students to move to the next level after high school. As opposed to putting them on a set track, F5 learns where the student hopes to go in the coming 5-10 years. From there we determine a game plan to help them achieve those goals and assists them along each step.
As a volunteer/coach, my role is to facilitate the process and make sure they stay on course. The F5 leadership and staff educate me on the latest programs and requirements, so I can provide accurate and timely support for the student. The student is required to get the work done as each coach finds the best avenue for success whether it’s a path to college, technical school, or military service.
Success for me as a coach is seeing each of these talented and motivated students move to the next level in their education and become productive members of society. It’s an honor to be part of their success and perhaps make Future Five a part of their lives going forward.
There's a treasure in Stamford. It's known as Future 5. This wonderful organization is wholeheartedly committed to connecting motivated students with a caring community. And they succeed every day.
mike bacon
New Canaan, CT
Amazing nonprofit! They go above and beyond to give back, and have made such a wonderful impact on the community and the lives of so many.
I have been involved with Future 5 for 7 years. I walked up the stairs to volunteer and am now on the Board. It is an amazing organization that helps kids who might fall between the cracks realize their potential. The staff and volunteers do a great job and the kids are the real stars!!!
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I started volunteering at Future 5 almost 3 years ago. I was looking for something to dig my teeth into when my younger son left for college. I walked in my first day and was hooked. I became a "coach" that very first day during a Job Prep session. I went home excited, invigorated and eager to get involved. That first school year I volunteered in just about every aspect of the organization and decided I wanted to be a college coach. I was assigned a young man I had met during my first few sessions as a volunteer. Together, we battled our way through the college application process. He did not have support at home, so I was his point person. It was a challenging adventure for both of us, but we stuck together and he is starting his sophomore year at UCONN Stamford and moving into the new dorms in a few days. He will be a part of our family forever-- and my family and his Future 5 family are incredibly proud of him.
My second student for the College Prep was a very bright, shy rising star. We had a very different experience than I had with my young man the year before. That is when I learned that each of these young people have their own story and I needed to figure out where I fit in. We worked very hard together throughout the year. We had great successes and great disappointments, but I am so happy for her that she will be begin her college journey this week when she moves into the dorms at UCONN in Storrs.
Very quickly I became involved not only with my students, but with the organization. My husband and I have worked to spread the word to our friends and acquaintances about how this group of mainly volunteers works with this underprivileged, motivated group of young people to help them realize their potential. I joined the Advisory Board a year ago and look forward to contributing what I can to help our students realize their dreams.
Future 5' has achieved outstanding results, by any measure of success: high-school and college graduation rates, future employment, volunteer commitment, educational remediation, meaningful connections, and long-term relationships. The key to our success is our culture and commitment. At Future 5 "we have got your back", "members are always welcome", and "students members are given the support and skills to succeed". I have never seen any organization that fully and effectively uses the power of kindness as well as Future 5.
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Future 5 has a remarkable and unique philosophy, as noted by one of its Board Members, "it is all about the connections built and relationship with our student members." The deserving young adults within the organization's warm fold are never alone; challenges are met with coaching and peer support, one member at a time. The organization values quality of assistance vs. quantity with a clear focus on the results. The numbers speak for themselves, 100% graduation rate for their members from high school. Members are encouraged to pursue their dreams with real world expectations weather it be four-year college , junior college, trade school, etc. (anything to help them be better off).
I can think of no better place to have a real impact on all of our intertwined futures!
Christopher
Future 5 is a grassroots organization that is truly dedicated to improving the lives of young people. I am constantly in awe of the staff and volunteers at this non profit. I was very lucky to be on staff for several years and love to see this organization's constant growth.
I have had the pleasure of watching this organization grow so much, and seeing how they tackle different challenges in new and exciting ways. They are advancing their mission in ways that also benefit the overall Stamford, CT youth. Those on the board are also very involved in the organization.
This nonprofit has an excellent ability to use its donations wisely and maximize their give back to the community. I am consistently impressed by how deep their connections go and how much the leadership cares about the community.
Even though I was only a member of Future 5 for a year, I already have a second family through them. The founder, Clif, always encouraged me to think outside the box. I thought my academic career would be one straight path, one that I knew I wanted. However, through the self-reflective workshop Here-to-There, and more meetings with Clif, I was able to see that my career goals were entirely different than what I had believed. I was never pressured, but rather I was given the advice to open my mind and think about what would truly make me happy.
That was not the end of my experiences. Throughout the year I've had great times volunteering, networking, and just meeting amazing people in my community through F5. I've been able to proudly represent as an ambassador and truly understand that my passion is to help people through organizations like this.It's one of those things where you're like, "Where would I be now without ____?" That's how I feel with Future 5. I am now at an amazing liberal arts school, and I miss both my blood and F5 families back home. However, "Future 5 has my back," as we like to say. I know that wherever I go, I can always know that my family is just a phone call away.
As a coach and mentor with Future 5 I have seen firsthand the amount of good this organization does. The difference in the lives of the high school students is tremendous. From learning how to share their stories and "gremlins", to help preparing for job interviews, writing resumes, gaining and developing academic skills through tutoring and life skills through community service all the way to help filling out college applications and financial aid forms you see these children, many first generation American, grow in self esteem and confidence and become capable, achieving, upstanding young adults. Future 5 is truly a great nonprofit.
When I donate to causes, I want to know that my gift is going to serve a greater goal and will not be wasted. I donated to Future 5 earlier this year, and I know that they are spending my gift wisely (I received a hand written note thanking me for my contribution). I can trust that Future 5 is operating with efficiency and excellence as an organization, and is contributing to the growth of youth in Stamford in multiple ways. As a first-time donor to this organization, I would definitely consider donating to Future 5 again, as they far exceeded my expectations!
Future 5 has been the best thing that has happened to me since I started high school. Not only did I receive academic and coaching support, but I knew that there were coaches who would be willing to work by my side just as hard as me, if not more!
7 years since I first came through those doors, I have realized the full potential of Future 5 as an alumni. Connections are everything, and I am yet another example of its benefits. Every internship and cooperative education I have had since my junior year of high school has been a result of Future 5 connections. My hope is that this program is able to reach out to more of Stamford's students who need the help- and hopefully into surrounding communities as well.
Future is amazing. It helped me with math tutoring when I needed it most. And I was given a bicycle so that I can go from place to place a lot more smoothly. In addition Future helped me get a job, where I worked for 4 years. Future 5 Is what I like to call my second home.
Incredible organization- giving youth the proper tools to be successful in a competitive market today. Run by an incredibly talented and business savvy woman, Future 5 understands that the discrepancies between income groups is not wealth, but often connections. The organization is able to prepare children for college life and connect them with wonderful people in industry in order to thrive.