First Annual The Future is Now Family Day

Thank you students, staff, families and alumni for making the Future is Now a huge success!

On Saturday February 23, 2013 New Design High School held their first annual The Future is Now Family Day where students and families participated in workshops about college planning and preparation. 

Workshops facilitated by Urban Arts Partnership, Community of Unity and NDHS staff focused on financial aid, application preparation, graduation requirements, and benefits of getting a degree. Local community- based organizations including STRIDE, Black Male Iniative, Global Potential, Latino Justice, The LGBTQ Center, The Opportunity Network, University Settlement, Urban Arts Academy Program and YMCA tabled during lunch as an opportunity for students and parents to network with extracurricular programs. The day ended with a panel and Q&A session with 8 New Design Alumni who are current students at various colleges and universities throughout New York state.

See you next year!

Sisterhood Mentor Program

iDESIGN launched the Sisterhood Program in the Fall. The all girl peer mentoring program provides 11th and 12th grade "Big Sisters" with the opportunity to mentor incoming 9th grade girls ("Little Sisters"). This group of 25 dedicated Big Sisters support new students in navigating their first year of high school. Big Sisters do this through attending weekly lunch groups with younger girls to discuss college, academics and the social aspects of high school. Additionally, Big Sisters support iDESIGN through tutoring, organizing field trips, leading fundraising efforts and role modeling for the younger girls. Each Big Sister participated in a mentor training in the fall which focused on youth development, group theory and building trust with teens. The program is a space for upper class-men to reflect upon their high school journey and have a supportive network of young women in the school.

The Future is Now: College Day

Saturday, February 25^th New Design High School will be presenting “The Future is Now”, a college day workshop design to help parents and students plan and apply for college. In this event, parents and students will have the opportunity to learn what it takes to graduate from high school and be “college ready”. Parents will meet with experts and alumni to assist them with any issues and concerns regarding their student’s progress.

Susan Donovan, the director of the Community of Unity's Design your Future program at New Design High School, will discuss scholarships, grants, and loans and will explain how to file for FAFSA and TAP. Youth Counselors, Sarah, Arianna, and Juliet will be discussing the different types of colleges and degrees available. In this workshop, parents will get a better understanding if a 2-year program or 4-year program is right for your student. Armando Samoza, Program Manager at Urban Arts Partnership will go through the necessary steps to complete a strong college application. Finally, Danilo Martinez, the Assistant Principal will discuss credits, regent’s exams, and diploma requirements.

Come and join us in effort to support your future college students!

CLICK HERE to RSVP!  RSVP Deadline; Friday, February 15^th

If you have any questions, contact NDHS at 212.475.4148 or Email ydc@newdesignhigh.com