Guided Futures
Guided Futures is a mentorship and educational support program dedicated to empowering underprivileged students and young adults by providing the guidance, exposure, and resources they need to achieve success.
Mission Statement
Guided Futures is a transformative mentorship program dedicated to empowering youth and students with the tools, experiences, and support they need to excel as potential college and trade scholars. Our mission is rooted in the belief that exposing young people to diverse opportunities enables them to uncover hidden talents, discover their purpose, and gain the confidence needed to overcome challenges. Through meaningful mentorship and hands-on engagement, we guide students to break through barriers, achieve their potential, and contribute positively to their communities.
Vision Statement
Guided Futures envisions a world where every student has the support and resources to overcome systemic barriers, explore their passions, and thrive academically and professionally. Through mentorship, scholarships, wellness initiatives, and transformative experiences, we aim to create a cycle of inspiration and achievement that uplifts entire communities.
Business Plan for Guided Futures
Program Goals
Empowering students in Jamaica, Queens, and Far Rockaway through mentorship, career development, and educational support to ensure academic and professional success.
Educational Challenges in Target Communities
Addressing low graduation rates, limited college enrollment, and academic performance gaps by providing resources, guidance, and skill-building opportunities.
Services and Programs
Offering mentorship, career workshops, wellness initiatives, and scholarships to create well-rounded, successful individuals ready for the future.
Partnerships
Collaborating with York College, local organizations, and industry leaders to provide internships, career exposure, and educational opportunities for students.
Additional Partnerships
Engaging corporate sponsors, community groups, and nonprofits to expand outreach, increase resources, and create life-changing opportunities for students.
About Us
Guided Futures is a mentorship and educational support program dedicated to empowering underprivileged students and young adults by providing the guidance, exposure, and resources they need to achieve success. Our mission is to create a structured pathway for academic, professional, and personal growth, ensuring that every participant—regardless of their background—has the tools and support necessary to navigate their future with confidence.
Founded and led by Warren Rolling, a dedicated mentor and youth advocate with over 10 years of experience in college admissions, mentorship, and educational programming, Guided Futures is built on a deep understanding of the challenges students face. With extensive experience working in the New York City Department of Education and CUNY system, Warren has helped thousands of students access higher education and career opportunities. His leadership ensures that our program provides meaningful support tailored to students’ unique needs.
Executive Summary
Guided Futures is a mentorship program designed to empower students and young people by providing them with the tools, experiences, and resources needed to succeed academically, professionally, and personally. The program focuses on hands-on mentorship, career exploration, financial support, and wellness initiatives, creating a transformative experience that prepares participants for a successful future. With a pilot program launching at York College, Guided Futures will target feeder schools in Jamaica, Queens, and Far Rockaway, addressing systemic educational and social challenges. The program includes mentorship, work-study opportunities, wellness sessions, and comprehensive skill-building programs. Long-term, Guided Futures aims to provide scholarships to cover tuition, stipends, and dorm accommodations for York College students and establish a headquarters near the college to serve as a hub for mentorship, education, career exploration, and student wellness.
Programs Offered
Guided Futures provides a wide range of programs designed to support underprivileged students and young adults in their academic, professional, and personal growth. Our programs ensure that students have the resources, mentorship, and hands-on experiences necessary to succeed in high school, college, and beyond.
Mentorship & Career Guidance
- One-on-one mentorship with professionals in various industries
- College and career exploration workshops
- Networking opportunities with industry leaders
- Leadership development programs
Academic Support & GED Preparation
- High school tutoring in core subjects (Math, English, Science, etc.)
- GED preparation for students seeking alternative diploma pathways
- College tutoring for freshmen to ensure on-time graduation
- Study skills and time management workshops
College Readiness & Retention
- College admissions counseling and application support
- Financial aid and scholarship assistance
- Freshman retention program to increase college completion rates
- Guided support throughout all four years of college
- Campus involvement and leadership training
Workforce Development & Career Placement
- Resume building and interview preparation
- Paid internships and job placement assistance
- Entrepreneurship and business development workshops
- Work-study programs and career fairs
Enrichment Experiences & Exposure
- Field trips to colleges, corporate offices, and career-related sites
- STEM programs, including aviation, video production, music, and theater
- Exclusive behind-the-scenes access to industries like entertainment, sports, and media
- Q&A sessions with successful professionals and celebrities
Community & Personal Development
- Youth empowerment and life skills training
- Mental health and wellness support programs
- Community service and volunteer opportunities
- Public speaking and confidence-building workshops
FAQ
The most significant difference Guided Futures can make is increasing college retention and career readiness for Black and minority students in Jamaica, Queens, and beyond. While increasing high school graduation rates and college attendance is critical, the biggest gap lies in ensuring that students who enter college actually graduate and transition successfully into careers.
Key Impact Areas:
College Retention & Graduation:
York College, a predominantly Black and minority institution, struggles with retention and graduation rates. Many students enroll but do not complete their degrees due to financial struggles, lack of mentorship, and unclear career pathways.
Guided Futures can change this by offering structured mentorship, financial literacy programs, and academic support to ensure students persist through college and graduate on time.
Career Placement & Workforce Readiness:
The unemployment rate for young college graduates is high, particularly for minority students who face systemic barriers in the job market.
Guided Futures will bridge the gap between education and employment by providing direct career pathways through industry partnerships, internships, resume-building workshops, and job placements.
By securing corporate sponsors and partnerships (e.g., with the NBA, YouTube, Netflix, and tech/finance companies, production company’s, etc), we can ensure students graduate with job offers in hand, not just a degree.
Building a Sense of Community & Economic Growth:
By strengthening York College as a hub for minority student success, we create a home for Black and minority students in Queens—a place where they feel supported, empowered, and encouraged to give back.
More successful graduates staying in Queens means more minority professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders reinvesting in their neighborhoods, boosting economic mobility and homeownership rates.
This long-term investment will help break generational poverty cycles and create a self-sustaining system where success breeds more success.
Unlike other mentorship programs, Guided Futures is focused on the full journey—high school to college to career. Many programs stop at college admission, but we will ensure students:
✅ Stay in school and graduate
✅ Gain real-world experience and career connections
✅ Have a clear path to financial independence
By making college retention and career readiness our top priority, Guided Futures can make the biggest impact on the Black and minority populations of Queens—creating generational change and a new standard of success for future students.