Future Link

Future Link supports first-generation-to-college, low-income students in Montgomery County.

We provide them with the resources, knowledge, skills, and personalized long-term support to achieve their education and career goals. Despite Montgomery County’s wealth, a significant and increasing percentage of its population are low-income, first generation college young adults. These high potential young adults will be essential to the County’s future workforce, particularly given that only 1

8% of employers say their access to skilled workers is sufficient. Complicating this is the fact that 90% of low-income, first generation college students do not graduate within 6 years at a time when nearly 80% of the jobs in our County require higher education or specialized training. The financial impact of not addressing the graduation gap between this population and their more affluent peers who are not the first in their family to go to college is substantial. Future Link addresses these challenges head-on, by providing low-income, first generation college young adults (age 18-25) with the tools, skills and resources to achieve academic success and lasting economic self-sufficiency. Its two-phase program begins with a 15-week seminar focused on career exploration, academic planning and the development of the soft-skills that many employers state their workers are deficient in. Following the Seminar, Future Link provides its young adults with multi-year very personalized, comprehensive support that includes paid internships, tutoring, scholarships, professional development workshops and most importantly one-on-one mentorships, which research shows makes a huge difference in the outcomes for students who lack family members who can guide them through the complexities of higher education and the workforce. Through these efforts, Future Link closes the opportunity divide and levels a playing field that is often tilted against high potential, low-income, first generation college students. The result is an increasing number of insightful and productive young adults available to the County workforce who will then become contributing members of our community.

12/29/2025

Sergio embraced change, mentorship, and a growth mindset to turn early academic challenges into a college degree and a thriving career. Read his story here: https://conta.cc/49rqnsB

Support Future Link and help more students like Sergio turn setbacks into new opportunities.

https://futurelinkmd.org/volunteer-opportunities/

12/18/2025

Ashley’s journey went from hardship to healing. With grit, mentorship, and access to training opportunities, Ashley rose from a caregiver to an RN, impacting lives across generations. Read her story here: https://conta.cc/4oVxJJl

Join the Future Link community and help professional dreams come true.

12/12/2025

Congratulations to Future Link's fall 2025 cohort for completing our Phase I Self-Advocacy and Career Development Seminar! Each student will now receive a personalized education and career plan, and work with Future Link staff and volunteers to reach their goals. We are proud of you all for your tenacity, resiliency, and efforts to show up for yourself and your peers. Onward to Phase II!

12/11/2025

Iban entered Future Link uncertain, but mentorship and community helped him find his direction. Now he’s at UMD thriving, with full funding, and is pursuing computer science and cybersecurity with confidence. Read Iban’s story: https://conta.cc/48dK2M8

Volunteer with Future Link and spark change for a student and the broader community.

11/19/2025

Lucresse made the most out of Future Link’s services, accessing paid internships, scholarships, and a long-term mentorship. With Career Planner Janice’s guidance, she prepared for her post-college job search. Their partnership, built on trust and a shared passion for criminal justice, yielded results. Read more: https://conta.cc/4nPSNRc

Consider making your impact as a volunteer or donor at Future Link: www.futurelinkmd.org/donate

11/12/2025

When Jennifer joined Future Link, she was learning to balance early adulthood, academic rigor, and career goals. Future Link helped her grow in confidence and seize opportunities. Now, as a new board member, she’s giving back to support students like herself. Read about her journey: https://conta.cc/3WFXiTd

Donate now and join Jennifer in empowering our first-generation students to become leaders in our community: www.futurelinkmd.org/donate

10/22/2025

Future Link is excited to present our 2025 Annual Report! This yearly publication highlights the hard work and successes of our first-generation-to-college young adults, made possible by the partnership of our volunteers, donors, and employer partners. Thank you for walking alongside us to achieve student success.

Click here to read the annual report: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/ec01c49109.html

10/06/2025

It was a beautiful day at the Future Link Annual Picnic! This special afternoon brings together current students, alumni, and volunteers to network, build friendships, and celebrate our students' progress.

Visit https://futurelinkmd.org/ to learn about Future Link and how you can join our growing community.

09/25/2025

As a first-generation-to-college student herself, Future Link Mentor Diana C. knows what it’s like to step onto a campus without a plan, to juggle family responsibilities while studying, and to navigate careers without built-in networks.

Diana knows that with just a little time and encouragement, you can open doors, build confidence, and make a lasting impact on a young adult’s future. After working together for four years, Diana’s first Mentee earned her bachelor’s degree in May. Diana is now working with a new student who is starting her academic journey.

Mentoring a first-gen student is one of the most meaningful ways to give back. If someone once believed in you, consider joining Future Link’s Mentoring program.

https://futurelinkmd.org/mentoring/

09/17/2025

Mentorship opens doors—sometimes literally.

Future Link Mentor Thomas W. learned his Mentee, who is studying aerospace engineering, had never been to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. They scheduled a field trip and together explored the history of flight and space exploration, connecting his academic studies with real-world inspiration.

Moments like this remind us that mentorship isn’t only about career advice. It’s about exposure, encouragement, and helping students see what’s possible.

If you’ve ever wondered how you could make a difference, mentoring a first-generation-to-college student is one of the most meaningful ways.

Visit the Future Link website to learn how you can get involved: https://futurelinkmd.org/mentoring/

09/15/2025

Future Link welcomed several Employer Partners to our annual Internship Host Breakfast to celebrate the successes of our summer interns, share feedback, and learn how we can best prepare our students. We are proud that 97 Future Link students found a job or internship during the 2024-25 year.

Thanks to Advanced Behavioral Health, Asbury Communities, HIP Projects, LLC, Ingleside, James G. Davis Construction (DAVIS), Montgomery County Police Department, Montgomery County Public Schools, National Building Museum, The Nonprofit Alliance, PAX Services Group, SEEC, SPC Financial, and 12PointFive for joining us. Your investment in our young adults helps them gain the necessary skills to become working professionals.

If your company is interested in becoming an Employer Partner with Future Link, contact [email protected] or visit https://futurelinkmd.org/become-a-corporate-partner

Address

1 Church Street, Suite 601
Rockville, MD
20850

Telephone

+13012840653

Website

http://futurelinkmd.org/

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