NewComm Year in Review
2024–2025
A transformative year of growth, innovation, and impact — from launching new programs to building national visibility
$500K
First Time Fundraising Goal
30+
New Members
200
Avg SAT Score Increase
$100K+
Individual Donors
Membership Growth & Programming
👥
Refined Fellows Application Process
Reconfigured our application process to create the most efficient admissions cycle in our history — resulting in the largest number of applications ever and perhaps our strongest cohort yet
Full Membership Launch
Launched Members with a complete slate of programming including Supper Club, Networking Brunch, Themed Design Studios, and Monthly Community Meetings
Enhanced SAT Prep
Comprehensive SAT preparation program integrated into membership benefits
Experiential Learning
Supper Club, MLK Book Day, Mt. Sinai field trip, and many more experiences expanding learning beyond traditional classroom settings
Streamlined Applications
New Members application process welcoming 30+ students in our first year
Student Achievements & Academic Innovation
🎓
Academic Roundtables
Weekly Math, English, and project-based roundtables supporting Fellows' $10,000 community projects
Wellness Integration
Launched Wellness Roundtable for resilience, balance, and long-term wellness strategies
SAT Success Partnership
Partnership with Compass Prep resulted in average student score increase of 200 points
Strategic Math Launch
New summer class designed to strengthen quantitative reasoning and problem-solving skills
New Student Opportunities
Two NewComm students selected for Teens of Color Abroad program and traveled to France for two weeks
Professional Development
New workshops on professional networking and LinkedIn management for career readiness
Signature Events & Convenings
🎉
ProspHER Inaugural Event
Drew 100 attendees, centering youth voice and empowerment
The Net Gala
Over 100 attendees at our flagship networking and celebration event
Enhanced LAB* Retreat
Led by Jada, Director of Wellness, with expanded participation including select Members
Financial Wellness Summit
First-ever summit bringing 50+ students together for budgeting, financial aid, and money mindset education
National Conference Presence
Students presented at ASTC National Conference in Chicago; leadership represented at Education Reimagined in Memphis
Fundraising, Partnerships & Visibility
🤝
Morgan Stanley
Heckscher Foundation
Simons Foundation
Pinkerton Foundation
Wayfarer Foundation
Historic Fundraising Milestone
Raised $500,000 — the first time in our history, achieved in only our second year of operations
Individual Giving Growth
Grew individual giving program from $0 to $100,000+
Expanded School Network
Added South Bronx Community Charter School and reconnected with Bronx Center for Science and Math
Institutional Leadership
Chidi Asoluka elected to Board of Trustees at University of Mount Saint Vincent
Organizational Growth
🚀
Full-Time Leadership
Chidi became full-time CEO, no longer balancing his deanship at Horace Mann
Director of Learning
First Director of Learning hired to systematize education program and ensure scalability
Near-Peer Mentorship
College students hired as advisors, providing critical support for Fellows and Members
Our Impact
This year proved that NewComm is not just growing — it is thriving. We democratized belonging and leadership opportunities, strengthened organizational capacity, and most importantly, our students continue to belong, lead, and leave with impact as we fulfill our vision of reimagining the culture of learning across the country.
Looking Forward
Building on this transformative year, NewComm is positioned to scale our impact and reach even more students, schools, and communities nationwide.