NYC FutureForward Program
Building the Next Generation of Justice Leaders in New York City
The NYC FutureForward Program is Canary Impact’s newest initiative designed to support justice-involved young people ages 18–25 in New York City. FutureForward equips participants with the tools, mentorship, and resources to transform their lived experiences into powerful leadership and community-driven change.
This hybrid program combines in-person gatherings with virtual sessions to create a flexible, dynamic experience tailored to meet participants where they are.
What Makes FutureForward Unique
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-involved 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
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.
The Journey
The NYC FutureForward Program believes in the transformative power of justice-involved 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.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the NYC FutureForward Program, candidates must:
Be aged 18–25.
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 2025 to June 2026.
