About - Next Generation Scholars

group of people serving themselves at an outdoor buffet

2007

2003

2008

Founded by Sally Matsuishi and Kenji Treanor, together with The Branson School’s Director of Admissions to serve five first-generation college bound students. Their mission was to help these young people gain admission to and graduate from four-year universities.

Expanded the program to include on-site therapy, a summer academic program, and leadership development training. Received 501(c)(3) non-profit status.

Added juniors to the program and expanded the curriculum to include academic classes, a summer SAT prep course, and the Community Uplift program.

2013

2015

2016

Developed a partnership with Marin Academy allowing the Summer Academy program to expand.

Extended the multi-year aspect of the program by adding the first cohort of 6th graders.

Moved to the E Street “Scholar House” (San Rafael) and programs were made grade-level specific while social service staff were added to accommodate the growing numbers of students and families.

2018

2017

2020

Became a food bank site, added a monthly parent program, and expanded the college rep visiting program to host over 20 schools.

Hired Jeff Escabar as Executive Director, bringing his 43 years of education and Independent School experience to NGS, including his most recent post as Head of School for an independent Spanish immersion school in San Francisco, as founder Sally Matsuishi moved to an advisory capacity. Added the “Little Scholars” program serving 1st - 5th graders in support of Scholar families.

Expanded the partnership with The Branson School, which enabled 25 percent growth in the Summer Academy program.

2021

2022

2023

Hired Nghiem Bui, NGS' first program alum to become its Executive Director, bringing his 10+ years in public and independent school education as a teacher and an administrator, and previously on staff as Director of College and Career Counseling.

Became an official partner of San Rafael City Schools; expanded its summer programming to two sites - The Branson School and Marin Academy

Developed NGS’ current three-year strategic plan, expanded the Board of Directors and supported 200 scholars.

What are Scholars’ Commitment to the program?

Do Next Gen Scholars only accept students with good grades?

What is the parent/guardian commitment to Next Gen Scholars?

Are Next Generation Scholars just homework help?

Is there a cost to your programs?

Next Generation Scholars equips and empowers first generation, under-resourced Marin County middle and high school students to succeed in college and beyond through socially-conscious leadership development.

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Our History

Since Next Gen Scholars was founded on a dining room table in 2003, we have grown year after year to serve first generation Scholars in Marin County for over two decades.

NGS Centers Working Class Families in Marin County

We are committed to uplifting and centering the children of the county's working class.

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