OUR HISTORY

YEAR
MILESTONES
2003

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.

2007

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

2008

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

2013

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.

2015

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

2016

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

2017

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

2018

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

2020

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.

2021

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