NEW OPPORTUNITY SCHOOL FOR WOMEN INC

What NEW OPPORTUNITY SCHOOL FOR WOMEN INC does

New Opportunity School for Women (NOSW) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1987 by Jane Stephenson in Berea, Kentucky, operating from 204 Chestnut Street. Its mission is to deliver free educational and personal development programming to under-resourced Appalachian and Kentucky women facing barriers such as addiction, domestic violence, poverty, and limited access to education and employment. Programs are barrier-free: participants pay nothing and NOSW covers lodging, meals, materials, childcare, and travel stipends; sponsors cover the $6,000 per-woman cost of the residential program. The organization runs a two-week residential program in Berea, a three-day non-residential program delivered in partner communities across Appalachia (and virtually), online workshops, and the Sisterhood — a lifelong alumnae community providing scholarships, dental assistance, leadership retreats, and reunions. Two affiliated expansion schools operate under host colleges at Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, NC (2005) and Bluefield College in Bluefield, VA (2013), each at smaller scale than Berea.

The organization is staffed by four core employees (Executive Director Angel Short, Operations Manager Susan Jordison, Program Director Crystal Burton, Graduate Coach Amy Hogg) and governed by a board of 8-11 members. Revenue is entirely donor-funded and comes from individual donations (including a Sustainer monthly giving program), corporate sponsorships at tiered levels ($580 to $6,000), foundation grants (Ford Foundation, Kellogg, Mary Reynolds Babcock, Park Community Credit Union), planned giving and DAF grants, in-kind gifts, and event proceeds. Distribution is community-led: women enter NOSW through referrals from domestic violence shelters (Hope's Wings), recovery centers, drug courts, community colleges, and churches, supplemented by direct website applications. Recent strategic activity includes the 2025 launch of the Holler Harvest foodways initiative, the 2026 debut of The Appalachian Sisterhood Magazine, a corporate partnership with Firestone Industrial Products for workforce development, and recognition through the 2025 Appalachian Foodways Fellowship Award and the Candid Gold Seal of Transparency.

Name

NEW OPPORTUNITY SCHOOL FOR WOMEN INC

Legal name

New Opportunity School for Women

Website

https://nosw.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1987

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

New Opportunity School for Women is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1987 in Berea, KY that provides free educational and personal development programs for under-resourced Appalachian women through residential, non-residential, and online offerings, plus lifelong alumnae support via the Sisterhood.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Women's Education and Personal Development Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710), All Other Schools and Instruction (61169), Community Housing Services (62422)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Special Populations ASE (Reentry/Corrections, Homeless, Refugee/Immigrant, Foster/Justice-Involved) (EDAAABAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Open Courseware & Course Modules (OCW) (EDAGAJAB), Housing Transition & Supported Living Navigation (EDAKANAK)

Keywords

• Women's education programs
• Personal development services
• Workforce skills training
• Community-based education
• Nonprofit social services

Headquarters

HQ city

Berea

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Individual donors contribute one-time and recurring gifts. The organization operates a Sustainer program (monthly recurring gifts via EFT or card). Specific gift amounts include $20,000 matching gift challenges from individual donors.
2. Planned Giving / Estate Gifts: Planned giving vehicles including charitable bequests, IRA charitable distributions, life insurance beneficiary designations, and naming NOSW in wills/trusts. Notable large estate gift from Marjorie (Marge) Keller.
3. Corporate Sponsorship: Businesses and organizations sponsor NOSW programs at tiered levels. Sponsorship tiers include $6,000 (full woman), $3,000 (half cost), $1,500 (dental work), $825 (Leadership Retreat), $580 (wage stipend).
4. Foundation Grants: Foundation grants from organizations including Park Community Credit Union Foundation ($10,000 Pathways to Prosperity grant in 2025), Ford Foundation (historical $50,000 grant in 1987), and Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation.
5. Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) Grants: Donors recommend grants to NOSW through their DAF accounts.
6. In-Kind Gifts: In-kind donations of supplies and services (the organization no longer accepts clothing donations).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

NOSW provides free, barrier-free, whole-person educational and personal development programs for under-resourced Appalachian women. Its core offerings include a two-week residential program in Berea, Kentucky, a three-day non-residential program delivered in partner communities and online, virtual workshops, and The Sisterhood—an ongoing alumni community providing scholarships, dental funds, leadership retreats, and reunions. All programs are provided at no cost to participants, with costs covered by donors, sponsors, and grants.

Product overview

The New Opportunity School for Women operates as a platform of interconnected educational and support programs for under-resourced Appalachian women. The core offerings include the two-week Residential Program in Berea, Kentucky, the three-day Non-Residential Program available in-person regionally or online, and Online Offerings for virtual participation. These programs are unified by The Sisterhood—an ongoing community that provides post-program support through scholarships (Sisterhood Scholarships, Certification Scholarships, and NOSW Foundation Scholarships), the Dental Fund, Graduate Support Groups, the annual Graduate Leadership Retreat, and Graduate Reunions. In 2025, NOSW launched Holler Harvest, a foodways initiative for container gardening and food preservation training. The Appalachian Sisterhood Magazine was introduced as a publication celebrating the program's community and Appalachian heritage.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Residential Program An immersive two-week residential program held in Berea, Kentucky, where women rebuild self-esteem, set personal/educational/career goals, and develop skills in financial literacy, job readiness, wellness, and the arts through a holistic curriculum. The program is provided free to participants, with lodging, meals, materials, childcare, and travel stipends included; cost per woman is $6,000 covered by sponsors.
• Non-Residential Program A condensed three-day program offered in-person in partner communities throughout Appalachia or online, focusing on building confidence, self-esteem, and life skills through workshops and goal-setting support. Designed for women who cannot travel to Berea.
• Online Offerings Virtual programs including three-day non-residential sessions and shorter workshops on wellness, education, mindfulness, artistic expression, and employment, available via video conferencing to both NOSW graduates and new participants.
• The Sisterhood An ongoing alumni community providing graduates with continued support, resources, scholarships, dental fund assistance, Graduate Support Groups, Leadership Retreats, and Graduate Reunions to sustain lifelong connections and mentorship.
• Holler Harvest A foodways initiative providing graduates with container gardening supplies and hands-on training in gardening fundamentals, planting by moon signs, and food preservation, supporting Appalachian food traditions.
• The Appalachian Sisterhood Magazine A publication celebrating Appalachian and Kentucky women, featuring graduate testimonials, art, poems, stories, quilting corners, recipe spotlights, and community outreach highlights, available in digital and print formats.

Quantifiable outcome

• Women graduates secure employment, pursue education, achieve financial independence, and report increased self-confidence and improved relationships
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Firestone Industrial ProductscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Kanisha Hughey, HR Manager at Firestone Industrial Products in Williamsburg, KY, reached out to learn about NOSW and explore support. Firestone signed on as a Festival of Trees sponsor and continued sponsorships after the event was cancelled. Discussions include NOSW delivering programs for Firestone women workers and Firestone staff meeting NOSW residential participants. The plant has a female plant manager and is expanding to add 250 EV jobs, seeking to diversify its workforce.
• The Junkluggers of KentuckycoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022Chris Trout Van Tatenhove (NOSW Board President) operates the Junkluggers franchise in Lexington, serving Central Kentucky, Louisville, and Northern Kentucky. In 2022, The Junkluggers of Kentucky became a sponsor of NOSW. Chris is drawn to NOSW because it serves women from her Eastern Kentucky home region.
• Bluefield CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2013Second expansion school opened in 2013 in Bluefield, VA at Bluefield College. Like NOSW-LMC, this expansion operates under the auspices of its college host and on a smaller scale than NOSW-Berea.
• Lees-McRae CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2005First expansion school opened in 2005 in Banner Elk, NC at Lees-McRae College with a grant from the Kellogg Foundation. Operates as NOSW-LMC under the auspices of Lees-McRae College on a much smaller scale than NOSW-Berea.
• Berea CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1987NOSW was founded in 1987 and operated under the auspices of Berea College for nine years before incorporating as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 1996. NOSW offices were originally in the President’s House on campus, then moved to the Bond House. The organization maintains close ties with Berea College, which is known for its Appalachian outreach.
• Art of SuccessminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor of NOSW programs. Logo displayed on NOSW sponsor page.
• Whitaker BankminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor of NOSW programs. Logo displayed on NOSW sponsor page.
• RotaryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRotary logo displayed on NOSW sponsor page. Anne Blakeney, a NOSW supporter, engaged NOSW staff to speak at her local Rotary Club.
• Hope’s WingscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDomestic violence shelter in Richmond, KY. Partnered with NOSW to co-host the MEAT and Greet Community Picnic (May 23). NOSW staff deliver programming at Hope’s Wings as part of their mandatory courses for residents. Hope’s Wings referred multiple women including Johnnie Chavours and Cyndi to NOSW programs. Jennifer Lainhart, Executive Director of Hope’s Wings, serves on NOSW’s Board of Directors.
• Women’s Lawyers Association of LexingtonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerA group of women lawyers that has shown support for NOSW. The organization celebrated the season with NOSW staff and expressed enthusiasm for NOSW’s mission.
• Altrusa of LexingtonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity organization co-hosting a Graduate Group Book Club event with NOSW. Listed as a partner for graduate engagement activities.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves13 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Jeremiah Program: A national nonprofit supporting single mothers pursuing higher education through housing, childcare, coaching, and career development. Closely comparable to NOSW's wraparound, whole-person model for women from under-resourced backgrounds.
• Christian Appalachian Project: A large nonprofit serving vulnerable populations in Appalachian Kentucky through housing, food, and education programs. Highly comparable to NOSW in regional focus and service model for under-resourced Appalachian families.

Regional players

• Appalachian Community Fund: A community foundation supporting grassroots organizations across Appalachia, including women's and family services. Comparable in mission focus on Appalachian community empowerment and nonprofit funding model.
• Mountain Association for Community Economic Development: A nonprofit lender and advocate supporting economic development in Appalachian Kentucky and Tennessee. Comparable in regional Appalachian Kentucky focus and community empowerment mission.

Broad incumbents

• Bottom Line: A national nonprofit providing college access and success coaching to low-income and first-generation students. Comparable in addressing education and career barriers for under-resourced populations through sustained support.
• Year Up: A national workforce development nonprofit serving young adults from under-resourced backgrounds with training, education, and corporate placement. Comparable to NOSW in providing barrier-free skill-building and career pathways for disadvantaged populations.
• Per Scholas: A national nonprofit providing tuition-free technology and job training to individuals from under-resourced backgrounds. Comparable in barrier-free education-to-employment model targeting underserved adults.
• Dress for Success: A global nonprofit promoting women's economic independence through career development, professional attire, and ongoing support. Comparable in mission focus on empowering under-resourced women toward self-sufficiency.

Others

• Just Transition Fund: A philanthropic fund supporting Appalachian communities in economic transition. Comparable in Appalachian region focus and funding model supporting community-based nonprofits serving under-resourced populations.
• Center for Rural Strategies: A nonprofit supporting rural and Appalachian communities through media, advocacy, and policy work. Comparable in regional Appalachian focus and community-building mission, though operating through media/policy rather than direct services.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/NewOpportunitySchoolforWomen
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/new-opportunity-school-for-women-inc

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

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