Founded in December 2024, Guided Futures aims to bridge the gap for underserved youth by providing college readiness, GED certification, career training, and mentorship to ensure long-term success.
Mission: Empower students through mentorship, education, and real-world experiences to foster lifelong success.
Challenges Facing NYC’s Underserved Youth:
South Jamaica, Far Rockaway, East New York, Flatbush, Canarsie, Crown Heights, Bushwick, East Flatbush, the Bronx, Harlem – High dropout rates, low college enrollment, and limited career exposure.
D75 & Juvenile Youth Lack Support – Special education and justice-involved youth face higher dropout and incarceration rates.
46% of students in NYC’s lowest-income neighborhoods are below grade level in reading and math.
Only 26% of NYC students from low-income families graduate college-ready.
85% of successful professionals had mentorship, yet only 10% of underserved youth receive one.
Underserved Communities in NYC
South Jamaica, Far Rockaway, Flatbush, Canarsie, Crown Heights, Bushwick, East Flatbush, East New York, South Bronx, Harlem, Soundview, Wakefield.
These areas have the lowest college enrollment rates and highest youth unemployment.
Guided Futures will serve as a bridge between education, mentorship, and career success.
52% of recent college graduates are underemployed one year after graduation, working in jobs that don’t require a bachelor’s
Approximately 40.5% of recent graduates remain underemployed a decade later.
Provides recent graduates with meaningful employment opportunities in their field of study.
Allows graduates to share their knowledge and skills with high school students, offering real-world insights into various careers.
Compensate industry professionals and educators for leading workshops and mentorship sessions.
Financial support for students’ educational expenses, including transportation
Compensate industry professionals and educators for leading workshops and mentorship sessions.
Provide necessary tools and materials for hands-on learning experiences.
Space for rent for student and staff to communicate
Establishing After-School & Weekend Programs
Providing Access to Real-World Career Experiences
Mentorship Training & Leadership Development
Providing Essential Educational Resources
Launching a Maker Space for Hands-On Learning
Covering Student & Mentor Travel Expenses
Guided Futures will serve 2,000–3,000 students annually, providing structured mentorship, academic coaching, workforce certification, and career exposure programs.
Increase in College-Ready Students:
85% of program participants will enroll in college or a trade certification program.
90% will graduate high school or complete their GED with structured academic
Warren Rolling is the CEO & Founder of Guided Futures, a mentorship-driven initiative that creates pathways to education and careers for underserved youth. With over 13 years of experience working with the NYC Department of Education, CUNY, and various mentorship organizations, Warren has dedicated his life to empowering the next generation.
Born and raised in Queens, NY, he has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by at-risk youth, including juvenile justice-involved students and D75 populations. A former college athlete who played at FIT, Jamestown, and St. Bonaventure, Warren brings a unique perspective on balancing academics and athletics.
He has built impactful mentorship pipelines through partnerships with CUNY, the NYC DOE, after-school programs, and corporate sponsors. Warren has spoken at over 100 NYC schools, inspiring thousands of students through career days, workshops, and motivational speaking engagements.
As a youth minister at St. Bonaventure & St. Benedict the Moor, he supports young people in faith, leadership, and life planning. His mother’s work as a WMBE-certified contractor exposed him early on to business development and entrepreneurship, further fueling his drive for community empowerment.
A proud father of two daughters, Warren’s passion for mentorship is personal. He is deeply connected with leaders in entertainment, sports, business, and the skilled trades—ensuring real, direct opportunities for the next generation to thrive.
