Next Generation Scholars Programs

Next Generation Scholars Programs offers academic classes, academic counseling, leadership development training, college and career exploration, mentorship, and counseling. The program includes the Little Scholars Program for grades 1–5, the Summer Academy Program for grades 6–12, a 5-week Summer Academy, a summer SAT prep course, and on-site therapy. Families also have access to a monthly parent program and the Community Uplift program, which includes Community Uplift Leadership Development and the Community Uplift Project Program for grades 8–12.

• Ages: 6–18 years old
• Schedule: Scholars engage in an intensive 5-week experience in preparation for the upcoming school year.

Next Generation Scholars Programs includes a Year-Round Academy for grades 6–12 centered around academic counseling, Community Uplift Leadership Development, and college and career exploration. The College & Career Counseling Program provides counseling, mentorship, and comprehensive career guidance through college and into first careers. The Family Services Program (NGS Parents) supports scholars’ families by providing holistic services that give them access to resources in education, employment, food services, healthcare, and housing. Students are expected to attend two weekly classes during the school year, one on Sunday and one during the week, and students struggling in a particular class develop an academic support plan that often includes one additional day of tutoring. During the summer, students are expected to either enroll in the 5-week Summer Academy or a similarly rigorous academic summer program.

Next Generation Scholars Programs was founded in 2003 by Sally Matsuishi and Kenji Treanor, together with The Branson School’s Director of Admissions, and has served first generation scholars in Marin County for over two decades. The organization received 501(c)(3) non-profit status. Founder Sally Matsuishi moved to an advisory capacity after the hiring of executive directors. Jeff Escabar was hired as Executive Director, bringing 43 years of education and independent school experience, including serving as Head of School for an independent Spanish immersion school in San Francisco. Nghiem Bui, the first program alum to become Executive Director, brought over 10 years in public and independent school education as a teacher and administrator and previously served as Director of College and Career Counseling.

The mission of Next Generation Scholars Programs is to equip and empower first generation, under-resourced Marin County middle and high school students to succeed in college and beyond through socially-conscious leadership development. The programs focus on both the student and their entire family, with an emphasis on family wellness. The organization states that its programs nurture students with a sense of belonging and connection, to help scholars learn, heal, and uplift themselves and their community. The organization centers working class families in Marin County and is committed to uplifting and centering the children of the county’s working class.

Next Generation Scholars Programs partners with 42 schools and organizations to serve the unique needs of the county’s educational ecosystem. The organization became a food bank site and an official partner of San Rafael City Schools. The college representative visiting program expanded to host over 20 schools. One testimonial from an NGS Academy alum, Harvard University Class of 2025, describes being surrounded by other driven, first-generation students, receiving help with food and school supplies, and experiencing emotional support in a space where students were constantly celebrated. The organization notes that applications for the 2026 NGS Summer Programs are now closed.

Last updated May 29, 2026.