Future 5: Good News in Challenging Times

When Peu Das learned that the Horatio Alger Association seeks students who have exhibited determination, integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity, she took notice. Born to first generation parents from Bangladesh, and being the only one in her family who could fluently read and write in English, Peu always had her parents’ back when it came to managing the household. But no one had hers, until Future 5 founder Clif McFeely met Peu’s aunt, who worked at the Dunkin Donuts next to the Future 5 offices at Atlantic and Main Streets in Stamford. Shortly afterwards, Peu joined Future 5, where she found opportunities for volunteering, getting into college and applying for scholarships which would pave the way for her to fulfill her life dream of higher education.

Peu and Sophie Nagasi are two Future 5 students who each received a $10,000 Horatio Alger Scholarship this year, while a third Future 5 student, Katheryn Lopez, was awarded a $25,000 Horatio Alger Scholarship at the national level.

Additionally, three Future 5 students, Wendy Lopez, Sabine Charles and Martine Prevot, were recently each awarded a $7,500 City of Stamford Citizen of the Year/Jewish War Veteran’s Scholarship for outstanding community service in the Stamford community.

Notes Future 5 Executive Director and longtime Darien resident Rachel Dewey, “We are tremendously proud of our Future 5 students for the esteemed scholarships they have received and for the way they have all given thought to their futures and taken charge of their lives. Each has drawn on her inner character strengths to demonstrate commitment, resilience and confidence. The future is bright indeed!”

Dewey and the Future 5 team are using the virtual power of connection during these challenging times to support Future 5’s community of students by navigating e-learning needs, tutoring, workshops, coaching and helping seniors over the finish line as they navigate college acceptances, analyze financial aid packages and continue to work on generating additional college scholarships.

Future 5’s mission is to connect motivated low income high school students to their full potential, leading to independence and productive citizenship. More about Future 5 can be found at futurefive.org.