This document summarizes the New Worlds Imager project, which aims to directly image exoplanets. It discusses: 1) The history and progress of the project, starting in 2003 with alternatives to TPF and developing the starshade concept. 2) The key challenges of direct imaging, like obtaining contrast ratios of 10 billion to one. The starshade concept uses a precision-shaped occulter to block starlight and allow photons from planets to pass. 3) The potential for upcoming missions like New Worlds Discoverer (launching in 2013) and New Worlds Observer to perform spectroscopy and detect biomarkers on exoplanets. 4) The long term goal of the New Worlds Im