Welcome to NewComm, where we transform classroom education into real world legacy.

NewComm reimagines public education for high school students by directly connecting academic coursework to hands-on community projects that advance local economic wellness. In our student-centered “third spaces”—local design studios—student leaders (Fellows) collaborate with peers (Members) to apply math, English, and science skills to real-world problem-solving, guided by NewComm’s four-step, asset-based framework. Together, they tackle pressing community challenges, from designing innovative local business initiatives to organizing resource-sharing events. Through this process, students deepen their academic engagement while building leadership, professional skills, and self-confidence that prepare them for college and beyond. Ultimately, NewComm nurtures a generation of change-makers who see education not just as classroom content, but as a powerful tool for community transformation.

WE IDENTIFY

Every fall, we collaborate with schools and community organizations in historically marginalized areas to identify students with strong or emerging leadership potential. These students are invited to join our team as Fellows, where they work alongside educators, community leaders, and local professionals to develop their skills and drive positive change. Fellows also recruit their peers to join as Members, building a supportive network committed to creating meaningful impact in their communities.

WE INVEST

Throughout the fellowship, Fellows receive stipends to lead, develop, and sustain $10,000 community projects, guided by our cross-disciplinary curriculum. They also gain access to comprehensive college preparation and ongoing support. Beyond academic and project guidance, we provide both Fellows and Members with monthly social programming, career mentorship, and wellness resources to ensure their holistic growth and success.

We partner with local independent high schools and colleges to transform their facilities into “Community Design Studios” during off-hours. In these hubs, Fellows and Members gain access to state-of-the-art resources and environments, as well as the expertise of community partners who mentor and guide their work. Here, they gather to share meals, strengthen academic skills, and bring their $10,000 projects to life. Through these innovative public-private partnerships, we democratize access to exceptional learning spaces and expert mentorship, ensuring that education becomes a bridge to community empowerment.

WE INNOVATE

Bianca Estrada ‘24 Cohort 1 Fellow

“It’s really cool being here…being able to work together to create something I didn’t think I would be able to do in my entire life. ”

Hear From Our Fellows

Our Vision

We work to cultivate communities where every student will have the freedom and support to pursue their academic, career, and life goals, while uplifting others to ensure no one is left behind.

Our Core Values

Our Partners

Get Involved

Join us in our transformative mission to reshape the educational landscape for historically marginalized communities.

If you're passionate about driving change and want to contribute your skills and time, we welcome you to become a volunteer. Whether you're an educator, designer, mentor, or simply someone who cares deeply about education equity, we would love to have you!

For those looking to make a difference through financial support, consider donating to NewComm. Your contribution will directly fuel our efforts to create exceptional learning environments and empower the next generation of game-changing leaders. Every donation, no matter the size, contributes to our collective vision of a more inclusive and equitable education system.