Futures and Options is a brand that aims to empower New York City's youth, particularly youth of color and students from historically underrepresented communities. Their mission is to provide these young individuals with transferable professional skills, higher education opportunities, and the ability to compete in the global 21st century economy. Working in collaboration with New York City employers, Futures and Options offers transformative career development opportunities to young people, inspiring them to succeed in college and pursue meaningful careers.

Founded in 1995 as a pilot project by Dr. Barbara Christen, Futures and Options has been dedicated to addressing the persistent inequity that hinders access to meaningful early work experience for New York City's youth. Their student-centered, strengths-based approach ensures that students have access to growth opportunities and the necessary resources to succeed.

Over nearly 30 years, they have served over 12,000 young individuals, partnered with 500 businesses and 200 schools. Futures and Options' programming includes a robust internship program, career development workshops, industry-specific opportunities, and alumni engagement initiatives. Through these initiatives, they prepare students to thrive in the 21st century job market by equipping them with critical thinking, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.

The brand is guided by values such as impact, diversity, equity, and inclusion, excellence, integrity, respect, high expectations, and collaboration. Join Futures and Options in their mission to empower and support New York City's youth for a brighter future