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

NewComm is a membership-based program that empowers high school students from historically marginalized communities to transform classroom learning into real-world leadership. Through a mix of paid Fellowships, student-led Hubs, and Studio Semesters, students use core academic skills to launch meaningful community projects, connect with industry professionals, and build a network of like-minded peers across the country.

The Fellowship

The NewComm Fellowship is a two-year paid leadership experience where high school students use their Math and English skills to lead $10,000 community projects that address real issues in their neighborhoods. Fellows serve as ambassadors for NewComm—recruiting Engaged Members, leading project committees, and representing their schools at citywide events. They also attend weekly academic roundtables, receive coaching, and gain real-world leadership experience. By the end, Fellows leave with a legacy project, stronger academic skills, and the confidence to lead in college and beyond.

Member Hubs

Member Hubs are student-led spaces at local high schools where academic skills meet real-world problem solving. Each Hub is led by an Engaged Member who recruits General Members, runs monthly sessions, and helps shape school-based initiatives. Meetings alternate between “Math Moments” and “Lit Lifts,” connecting English and Math to challenges students care about. Clubs can also apply for a NewComm microgrant to launch their own project—and their work directly supports the larger $10,000 community project led by Fellows. Through Hubs, students lead change from the inside out—building skills, connection, and impact in their schools.

In Studio Semesters, second year Fellows and Members are paid to work on real-world projects for NewComm’s industry partners. These intensive, hands-on experiences challenge students to apply their academic, creative, and leadership skills to solve problems for real organizations. Whether it’s designing a financial literacy tool, building a campaign for youth wellness, or exploring new ways to tell community stories through music and media—students are not just learning, they’re producing. Studio Semesters bridge the classroom and the boardroom, giving students the confidence, exposure, and experience to thrive in professional spaces—and get compensated for their contributions.

Studio Semesters

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

Kevin, Cohort 1

Anisha, Cohort 1

Brandon, Cohort 2

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

  • At our core, we embody 'Exceptional'—a commitment not just to meet expectations, but to exceed them, setting new benchmarks in everything we do. This isn't just about the quality of our programs or the breadth of our support; it's about fostering a deep-seated belief in our Fellows that they are deserving of nothing less than the very best. We achieve this by curating transformative experiences and opportunities that push boundaries and challenge norms, ensuring our Fellows are equipped with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to excel.

  • Central to our mission is 'Effective'—a principle that drives us to ensure that our programs are not just well-intentioned but genuinely transformative in the academic and personal lives of our Fellows. We understand that effectiveness is measured by real-world impact, by the visible growth and progress of each individual we serve. Our commitment to being 'Effective' means we are not static; we are dynamic and responsive, continually assessing and refining our approach to align with the evolving needs of our Fellows. We are relentless in our pursuit of strategies and solutions that deliver measurable results, ensuring our programs are not only relevant but also a catalyst for meaningful change.

  • “Equitable" lies at the heart of our mission, driving us to confront and dismantle the barriers that perpetuate opportunity gaps in our communities. We understand that true equity goes beyond equal treatment; it requires tailored support and resources that meet individuals where they are, recognizing and honoring their unique contexts, challenges, and strengths. Our approach is rooted in the belief that every Fellow deserves an unobstructed path to success, regardless of their background or circumstances. This commitment to equity guides our work, which is designed to not just bridge but close the divides that hinder access to education, opportunities, and personal growth.

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.