Mission
Future 5 connects motivated, under-resourced students in Stamford to the people and resources they need to achieve their educational, career and life goals.
Vision
Future 5 envisions a world where all students can be part of a vibrant and supportive community and access the people and resources they need for college, career and life success.
What We Believe
We believe that it is never too late to positively shape the life of a child, no matter their socioeconomic or family circumstance. We believe that every young person who climbs our stairs has the potential to lead a productive, fulfilling life. We see the difference between income backgrounds as not only a monetary issue, but also a disparity of connections. We believe in the “power of connection” and the importance of belonging to a caring community.
Future 5 is an equal opportunity employer; people of color and individuals from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Future 5 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic background, religion, political orientation, genetic information, sexual orientation, age or disability.
What We Do
Future 5 shows the way. We bridge the “connections gap” by connecting students to a membership-based community, a network of coaches, college, careers, and most importantly, their own character. We help them connect with the character traits of optimism, determination, and grit. We also connect them to a web of support, and in particular, an army of dedicated community volunteers – our Future 5 “coaches.”
Once a motivated student is willing to commit to us and to his or her future, we will do whatever it takes to help our student stay on track through high school, college and the launch of their career. As we tell our members: “Future 5’s got your back!”
Why We’re Different
- Membership-based community in which students self-select to join
- Future 5 stays with members through college and into careers
- Network of support provides the Power of Connection
- Holistic approach to helping young people grow
History
Clif McFeely, Future 5 Founder, worked across the street from where Future 5 exists today for many years as the president of an ad agency, Northcastle Partners. While volunteering with the Stamford youth community, he had heard many local high school students express their frustration and feelings of hopelessness about the personal, social, academic and financial obstacles they faced. Clif realized that under-resourced, first-gen students, by themselves, lacked the connections needed to achieve their full potential. Inspired by the possibilities and power of connection, Clif founded Future 5.
Since our founding in 2009, we have served over 800 student members by instilling the can-do attitude of the Future 5 brand and teaching the importance of resilience, perseverance and integrity.
We’ve expanded over the years to include a College Success program to help ensure that our college students succeed while they’re in college, Career Counseling for jobs and internships, and an Alum 5 network where members give back to Future 5 in a variety of ways — bringing Future 5 full circle.
