Graduating from high school is one of the biggest milestones in a student’s life but it’s only the beginning of an exciting new chapter. That’s why Concept Schools supports Future Institute––an initiative that helps make the transition from secondary education to college as smooth as possible. The best part? Every high school senior in Concept Schools’ network is eligible to apply for it.
If accepted into Future Institute’s program, Concept Schools graduates can earn $2,000 in scholarship money for each year of attendance in college. It also includes mentorship opportunities, career guidance and workshops that will advance students’ career prospects before they leave with a degree.
The possibilities are endless with Future Institute. Here’s what you need to know about the program and how you can take advantage of the financial and emotional support F.I. offers.
STEP ONE: Apply/Join Future Leaders Initiative High School (FLI HS)
The first step in the Future Institute journey is the Future Leaders Initiative High School (FLI HS) program. FLI HS is designed just for Concept high school seniors and gives them the tools they need to prepare for life after graduation. It’s also the gateway to joining the full Future Leaders Initiative once you get to college.
In order for your application to be considered, students must have a GPA of at least 2.5 between grades 9-11 and intend to attend college in the fall semester after graduation. Applicants will also be asked to provide a statement for why they believe they should be accepted into the program.
What’s Required to Complete FLI HS?
Once accepted into the program, FLI HS participants will complete four key experiences that prepare them for success:
-Online Orientation: Kick off the year with a group orientation in October via Zoom. You’ll learn what to expect from the program and get answers to your questions.
-Online Workshops: Take part in two engaging workshops (one in the fall and one in the spring) to sharpen your skills and prepare for what is coming down the road.
-Progress Meeting: Meet with your Program Officer in April for a quick check-in to make sure you’re on track and supported.
-Alumni Panel: Hear directly from graduates of your high school who are now in college. This in-person spring panel is your chance to ask questions and learn from their experiences.
Going through this first part of the program ensures every senior on the precipice of graduation is put in a position to succeed when they get to college.
STEP TWO: Continue The Program In College Through The Future Leaders Initiative (FLI)
Completing FLI HS opens the door to the Future Leaders Initiative (FLI) program, which extends support into college. FLI is designed to help Concept graduates not only succeed academically but also prepare them for adulthood and their careers. Participants in this program gain access to professional development events, mentorship and real-world opportunities that build leadership and career skills.
To be eligible, students must have graduated from a Concept-network high school, completed the FLI HS program, and be enrolled in a college or university. As of the 2023-24 school year, the program supports students through their first four years of college.
The benefits of FLI are both practical and inspiring. Each year, students who successfully complete program requirements receive a $2,000 scholarship (split evenly between the fall and spring semesters) that can be used for educational expenses. Beyond financial support, students also gain resume-worthy experiences, volunteer and leadership opportunities and access to networking that can shape their professional futures. Juniors and seniors in college are offered even more, including personalized mentorship with professionals in their fields and structured internships that give them real-world career experience.
The Results
FLI has helped hundreds of students get to where they want to go once they graduate high school. Just this last year, Horizon Science Academy Cleveland High alumna Zariah Mitchell was hired as an IT Assistant at Walter Haverfield Law Firm after building her resume and leaning on her FLI mentors to prepare for her job interviews.
Mitchell, now a junior at Kent State University, credits the effectiveness of the program for helping her advance early in her career.
“The Future Institute program has been incredibly beneficial for me as a full-time student and an aspiring professional in Information Technology,” said Mitchell. “The program provided valuable resources and mentorship that directly contributed to my academic success and career development. The workshops on time management and career planning were particularly useful, helping me to balance my schoolwork with my job and other personal goals.”
Learn More
By participating in Future Institute's programs across multiple stages of their educational journeys, Concept students gain a support system that lasts through some of the most important years of their lives. It ensures that no student has to navigate the transition from high school to college and career alone.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity! Check out everything Future Institute has to offer here.
