Ready to be a Fellow? Amazing! Let’s Dive in!
NewComm is truly unique – it offers you, as high school students, the tremendous opportunity to work alongside experienced community leaders to address local challenges. How incredible is that?! This year, our focus is on community wellness. This encompasses not just physical health but also the various social determinants that influence it, such as financial stability, education, and environmental factors. Through your good work, you have the potential to impact 100’s of your peers. Are you ready to be a change maker? Let’s go!
Here's what you need to know about the NewComm FELLOWS program:
Orientation & Skill Building (Late March to June at Horace Mann School):
- If you're accepted as a Fellow, we start with monthly orientations.
- These sessions are designed to boost your critical reading and writing skills, empowering you to confidently engage with government officials and city leaders.
Program Kickoff (July 8th 2024- July 19th 2024, Fordham University-Lincoln Center Campus):
- The first two weeks are intensive training in critical skills and research methods. We will read and study James Baldwin’s novel Go Tell it on the Mountain as a guide to understand what we call “the architecture of our communities.”
- You'll learn how to effectively communicate with local leaders, understand their insights, and conduct community research.
Experiential Learning & Project Design (July 22-26 2024):
- In partnership with the NYC Department of Health, you'll get an insider's view of NYC's workings – from city banks to health inspections and more.
- You'll then use these insights to design a $10,000 community project.
Presentation & Compensation (August 1st 2024):
- Present your project to NYC leaders and citizens, receiving valuable feedback.
- You're compensated $1,500 for your summer design work.
Reflection (August 2nd 2024):
- Spend the day reflecting on your summer’s work: What worked, what didn't? What would you like to bring into the new school year?
- We set a plan for our year-long work bringing our project to life.
Year-Round “Design Studio” Sessions (Starting September 2024, ending June 2025, Horace Mann School):
- Continue developing your skills and refine your project with bi-monthly Saturday sessions at our design studio on Horace Mann School’s campus in the Bronx.
- These sessions offer learning support, free meals, mentoring, mental health support, and tutoring.
- Our goal is to foster a nurturing environment for your academic and personal growth.
Project Launch & Future Opportunities (Summer 2025):
- Launch your year-long project, and recieve a $500 stipend.
- Opportunities for continued involvement in the next project or international travel for rising and current seniors.
Our two-week travel program, known as FUTURES, is currently based on our campus in Kigali, Rwanda. During your time there, you will have the opportunity to gain insights into how our international partners address local challenges. We believe that this experience will provide valuable perspective as you embark on your college application journey and help you better define your life's mission. Learn more about FUTURES here.
