NYC FutureForward Program
Building the Next Generation of Leaders in New York City
The NYC FutureForward Program is Canary Impact’s newest initiative, designed to support justice-impacted young people ages 18-25 in New York City. FutureForward provides the tools, mentorship, and resources justice-impacted youth need to develop as leaders and drive community change.
This hybrid program combines in-person gatherings with virtual sessions, meeting participants where they are.
Designed By and For Young Leaders
Leadership Rooted in Lived Experience
FutureForward centers the voices and visions of youth most impacted by the criminal legal system, investing in their growth as leaders, advocates, and changemakers.
NYC-Focused, Community-Driven
Designed specifically for New York City, the program responds to local challenges and opportunities, helping participants shape solutions that resonate with their neighborhoods and lived realities.
Separate Youth Grantmakers
In an innovative twist, Canary Impact has also engaged a cohort of NYC-based youth grantmakers—justice-impacted leaders who select FutureForward participants and direct funding for the program. This ensures that participant selection and program design reflect the insights of peers with lived expertise.
Hybrid Learning Model
With a mix of in-person workshops and virtual sessions, participants benefit from rich, interactive experiences while maintaining flexibility to balance other life commitments.
Program Benefits
The 10-for-10 Program provides more than financial support. Participants gain access to funding, leadership development, mentorship, and a national network of changemakers committed to creating meaningful impact in their communities.
Catalytic Investment
Each participant receives a $10,000 financial award to advance their leadership journey and develop transformative projects.
Collaborative Network
Participants join a community of peers committed to justice reform, fostering shared learning, resource exchange, and collective growth.
Cohort Connection
Participants join a vibrant community of peers, building a supportive network that encourages collaboration, shared learning, and collective action.
Tailored Leadership Support
Through mentorship and strategic guidance, participants gain practical tools to refine their initiatives and maximize their impact.
Leadership Through Action
The NYC FutureForward Program believes in the transformative power of justice-impacted youth. Over the course of several months, participants are immersed in mentorship, training, and collaborative spaces—both virtual and in-person—to strengthen their leadership and create meaningful change.
Together, they are building a future where NYC’s communities are safer, stronger, and shaped by those who know the system best.
FutureForward gave me more than funding. It connected me with a community of leaders who believed in my vision, challenged me to grow, and helped me turn my ideas into action. The experience strengthened my confidence and expanded what I believed was possible.
Jesiah Fernandez
NYC FutureForward Participant
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the NYC FutureForward Program, candidates must:
- Be 18-25 years old
- Have lived experience with the criminal legal system
- Reside in one of NYC’s five boroughs
- Be committed to personal growth and community impact
- Be available for the program timeline from October 2026 to June 2027
Past Program Participants
Meet the inspiring leaders driving impact in their communities.
Help Shape the Future of New York City
Your experiences, ideas, and leadership matter. If you’re ready to grow your impact, connect with a community of changemakers, and help create a stronger future for New York City, we encourage you to apply.