Jane B. Stephenson, wife of former Berea College President, John Stephenson, founded the NOSW in Berea, Kentucky in 1987. The program grew out of an urgent need for women in Appalachia to become better educated and employed.

The New Opportunity School for Women's Mission is "to improve the educational, financial, and personal circumstances of low-income, middle-aged women in Kentucky and the south central Appalachian region."

In the past 20 years, over 513 women have completed the School’s three-week residential program. In the last year alone, 794 women benefited from the NOSW’s total programs, which also include career and education outreach and counseling.

A recent survey of graduates showed that 74% are now employed, enrolled in further education, or both.

Graduates of the NOSW are now employed in areas such as social work, counseling, education, public relations, business, and healthcare vocations such as nursing and respiratory therapy.