Aramis Gutierrez

Aramis Gutierrez is a nationally recognized and award-winning college access professional, highly sought-after presenter/speaker, and advocate for academic success. Most notably, he launched the Rutgers Future Scholars (RFS) as the founding program director in 2008, growing the program from 200 students to 3000 students served in 2022. Provided universitywide leadership located in five cities in over 110 middle and high schools and 400+ undergraduates at Rutgers. RFS boasts hundreds of college graduates from many of the top colleges and universities in the country. Scholars contribute to our nation as entrepreneurs, public health advocates, engineers, teachers, nurses, and community organizers.

Aramis built academic alliances with key schools, universities, communities, state and federal government, and corporate partnerships (200+ partnerships). Through leadership and collaboration, corporate and private donations and grants raised over 20 million dollars of support. Served as public relations leader for print, TV, multimedia, and live events. Led marketing and design of promotional and educational materials. Introduced and co-designed courses integrated into university curriculum: "Mentoring as Public Service," a unique communication and mentoring service-learning experience, and "Excellence First," a 1st year seminar on college success and building a sense of belonging. Worked closely with program full-time staff (16) & seasonal partners (100+) in developing program curriculum, strategic planning, evaluation and assessment, fundraising, and exploring program replication nationally.

Aramis Gutierrez has a background as a certified elementary teacher and high school counselor providing service to Trenton and Princeton communities across the socio-economic spectrum. Before establishing RFS, he served as the inaugural Associate Director of the Career Equity Resource Center at Rutgers University in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Education, as a Community College academic advisor, a High School counselor, and as an elementary teacher.