Futures Ignite

10/28/2025

Volunteer Opportunity: Student Writing Workshop at WHEELS

Futures Ignite is hosting a writing workshop on Thursday, November 6, from 12-2 PM in the WHEELS Library to help students strengthen their essays and applications

We invite enthusiastic volunteers who are ready to provide guidance, feedback, and encouragement as our students refine their ideas and find their voices. Your mentorship can make a lasting impact on a student’s journey.

Please share this announcement with others who may be interested! Our volunteer list is still open, and we’d love for you to join us!

Complete this form to RSVP: https://forms.gle/6y8zvBHrSMeYYwCj8

10/23/2025

🙌Thank you to everyone who joined our panel — and to for reminding us of the power that comes from education and community working together for change. 💚

WHEELS student panelists Ysaira and Lucero shared their incredible journeys with Futures Ignite, and WHEELS teacher Brendis Gonzalez provided excellent questions for our panelists to reflect on a learning environment and what’s next for Washington Heights.

We’ll see you at the next one!

What an incredible day! 🌿✨

10/17/2025

🌿 We’re so excited to welcome back — former WHEELS teacher, visionary environmental educator, and one of the first to dream with students about what’s now our vision and work for a Clean Air Green Corridor.

Dr. Fox helped facilitate a movement where student-led research drives real community action — work that continues to grow across our programs today.

We’re honored to celebrate him, his new book Learning Environment, and the legacy of teaching and care that still fuels Futures Ignite.

09/28/2025

🎉🌿 Block Party Time!

Last Friday, IN-Tech students kicked off the school year with music, games, and so many ways to get involved in their school commuinty—think rock climbing 🧗, CPR demos ❤️, tasty eats 🍴, and even a teacher dunk tank 💦!

Futures Ignite showed up with our Environmental Leadership Programs booth to share how students can turn STEM skills into real-world impact—from landscape design 🌳 to civic science projects that make our air cleaner and our community greener. 💡✨

Here’s to a year of fun, leadership, and environmental action! 💪🌎

09/18/2025

🚀 New Leadership Announcement 🚀

We are thrilled to welcome Victor Medina to the Future Ignite team as our new Environmental Leadership Programs Manager! 🌿

Victor’s dedication to our work and our neighborhood shines through his experience:

🌱 Washington Heights Native. Victor grew up just a few blocks from our original school site at Washington Heights Expeditionary Learning School (WHEELS)

🌱 More than a decade of experience in outdoor education. From the National Parks Service, to leading young people in wilderness adventures, Victor is deeply embedded in the world of environmental education.

✨At Futures Ignite, Victor will be designing and overseeing leadership programs focused on environmental sustainability and climate action, and mentoring young leaders in STEM learning and civic engagement.

Please join me in giving a warm welcome to Victor! We’re excited to see how his vision, energy, and expertise will shape the future of our environmental leadership work. 🌍✨

09/15/2025

✨SENIOR SPOTLIGHT✨

From Stewardship Crew to Urban Ecology, Juan has grown with Futures Ignite since 10th grade—becoming a quiet but powerful leader whose curiosity fuels his drive. 💪🌿

Last summer, when his team needed a last-minute water sample for their research, Juan hopped on a CitiBike 🚲 and made it happen—helping secure a winning project.

Now a WHEELS senior, he’s applying to top colleges, ready to study business and more with full support.

✨ Here’s to doors opening and Juan walking boldly through them. ✨

06/26/2025

06/25/2025

🎓✨ Huge congratulations to the IN-Tech Academy Class of 2025! Your hard work, resilience, and determination have brought you to this incredible milestone. We’re so proud to have been part of your journey toward college, career, and beyond. The future is yours—go claim it! 💫💼📚

05/28/2025

🎉✨ Big cheers for Futures Ignite’s Decision Days at In-Tech Academy & WHEELS! 🎓🔥

Our amazing seniors are locking in their next chapter — whether it’s college, career, or beyond 🌍💼📚. We’re SO proud to see you all stepping boldly into your future! 💪💫

Let’s go, Class of 2025! 🚀🎉

04/02/2025

📢Attention Industry Experts!

Join us for Career Day 2025 at Washington Heights Expeditionary Learning School (WHEELS)!!🚀💼

Career Day is an inspiring platform where students get to explore real-world career paths, hear your success stories, and ask questions that shape their future. 🌟

Volunteer with us to make an impact and break career myths for the next generation of leaders and innovators! 💡

📅 May 1, 2025
⏰ 8:30 AM - 12 PM
🍽️ Breakfast will be provided
📝 Sign up here: https://forms.gle/FW2PnCZiGLVRZWtx9
⏳Deadline to sign up: April 23, 2025

Hope to see you there!✨

03/14/2025

🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️ Lace up, NYC!

The TCS NYC Marathon 2025 is here, and Futures Ignite—a Bronze Level Sponsor 🏅—is calling on you! Join us in raising $4,500 to empower students with life-changing opportunities. 💡📚 Be a part of something bigger than the finish line! 🏁💙💪

📅 Sunday, November 2nd
⚡ Don’t forget! We are selecting all priority runners by March 24, 2025!
📧 Need more details? Shoot us an email at: [email protected]

Let’s run, inspire, and ignite futures together! 🔥

02/06/2025

Huge thanks to Sunil Gulati, Michael K. Dakolias Senior Lecturer at Columbia University, and former U.S. Soccer Federation President, for joining In-Tech Academy students at their 2025 College and Career March. His thoughtful words recognized these seniors’ impressive achievements and encouraged them as they look ahead.