Empowering Students
Engaging Parents
Transforming Communities
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Edu-Futuro: Empowering Students, Engaging Parents, Transforming Communities
Founded by a determined group of volunteer parents in 1998, the work of Edu-Futuro is focused on breaking the cycle of poverty through the power of education. Each year, we serve nearly 4,000 youth and adults, providing students with a path to high school graduation and college enrollment through the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) and Chronic Absenteeism Program (CAP), while simultaneously training and inspiring their parents through our Parent Empowerment Services (PES) and Workforce Development Services (WDS). Our programs are open to all students and parents in Northern Virginia, and every one of our services is provided completely free of charge.
The Challenges Faced by Our Students
Throughout Northern Virginia, the struggle to improve educational attainment after the academic setbacks resulting from the COVID pandemic is one of the most serious challenges facing all students, including vulnerable student populations recognized by local school systems as Economically Disadvantaged (ED), English Learner (EL), and Hispanic youth. According to recent figures from Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), the region's largest school system, ED, EL, and Hispanic students have chronic absenteeism rates of 20%, 20%, and 21%, respectively, double the rate of 10% for the general student population. Dropout statistics are also deeply troubling, with FCPS reporting rates of 4.4%, 19.2%, and 11% for ED, EL, and Hispanic youth, respectively, compared to 0.7% for other students.
These challenges are compounded by economic hardship. The great majority of low-income youth live in households where parents work multiple jobs, limiting their ability to provide academic support and emotional guidance. Furthermore, students from low-income families often lack access to resources focused on college preparation, and consequently, these hard-working youth are less likely to participate in advanced coursework, engage in extracurricular activities, or receive mentorship -- all key factors for college readiness.
Emerging Leaders Programs (ELP)
We believe that today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders. The Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) offers a series of services and training workshops designed to fulfill Edu-Futuro’s vision of a “Classroom-to-Career” continuum of support that helps students to graduate from high school, enroll in college, and achieve professional success. Participation in ELP is open without discrimination to all youth, including (but not limited to) vulnerable student populations recognized by local school systems as Economically Disadvantaged (ED), English Learner (EL), and/or Hispanic youth. All ELP programs are completely free of charge.
Parent Empowerment Services (PES)
To complement the work of our Emerging Leaders Program for youth, Edu-Futuro also offers a variety of Parent Empowerment Services (PES) aimed at helping parents from low-income households navigate our local school systems, become more involved in their children’s education, and improve family communication. In addition, our Case Management Services (CMS) provide emergency assistance to any family in need, connecting beneficiaries to such services as rental support, food distribution, health services, and other aid programs offered by government agencies or local nonprofit organizations. All PES programs are completely free of charge.
Workforce Development Services (WDS)
To meet the needs of hard-working Northern Virginians who are seeking to leave low-wage service jobs and improve the economic well-being of their families, Edu-Futuro provides a range of Workforce Development Services (WDS) intended to equip our beneficiaries with the essential digital skills needed to successfully navigate an increasingly virtual employment landscape. Our primary WDS programs include: the Tech for Parents computer/smartphone literacy course; Resume & Cover Letter Workshops; Individual Job Counseling; and Financial Empowerment Network workshops. In response to the needs of our families, Edu-Futuro launched our GED Certification Program in 2024, giving participants the opportunity to earn the equivalent of a high school diploma. All WDS programs are completely free of charge.
A Succesful Story
Edu-Futuro
You Can Be A Part Of Our Team
We are always looking to expand our team of volunteers. We search out dedicated people that want to make an impact in our community and the world.. If you are interested in volunteering, click the Volunteer Now button below.
"My experience of serving others has been memorable. I have had the chance to serve students who are in need of tutoring as well as provide leadership workshops alongside other AmeriCorps members. In addition, I have been able to serve with one time volunteers to bring back LEGO robots from sites where in-person classes took place last spring, before COVID. The experience of serving has taught me to offer a helping hand, to learn how to work with a team, to ask for help when needed, and so much more. I am looking forward to serving yet another year alongside more dedicated volunteers and a brand new AmeriCorps team."
Katie Baca-Ortiz, AmeriCorps Member
"I showed the students how I went about building my resume. I went through each of their resumes and pointed out common mistakes and changes that could be made. I showed them how LinkedIn has been beneficial for my college and career journey and made note that if they wanted to make a LinkedIn as well, I would be more than happy to assist them. After this meeting, I was finally able to sit down with Leila and add comments, suggestions and changes. She was very happy to get back some reviews and enjoyed reading through my comments as it helped her see what things could be improved upon for a punchy and impactful college essay."
Anjna Nair, Mentor
"Sitting by my desk for hours every week, I meticulously planned what I would write for my early action applications. As a first-generation college student, I wasn’t necessarily anticipating my long night sessions spent studying, writing, and editing yielding me the results that it did, but luckily enough I had a decent support system to help me get there. Without Edu-Futuro and the resources provided to me by my mentor, I’m not sure that I would’ve spent those hours with confidence, writing the essays and supplements that got me in! From learning about resume building in Edu-Futuro ELP I, to applying to scholarships in ELP II, I am now wholly confident that I will be able to succeed in my future, putting my best foot forward.”
Kadija Ismail, ELP Alumnae
"I never expected to be surgically intervened during my lifetime -- much less having heart surgery at age 18. Luckily for me, Edu-Futuro was there to help me. Because of the timing, I was unable to concentrate and give my best effort on my application for ELP II. However, the admissions committee was not only understanding and gave me an extension to submit my documents and my application, but they also supported me. After undergoing heart surgery and being accepted into the program, Edu-Futuro stayed in close contact with me to ensure that my recovery went well. As I regained my strength, Edu-Futuro presented me with multiple scholarship and mentoring opportunities to help me stay on track with the college admissions process. Ultimately, I would like to say that I am forever grateful for their continuous support, and if anyone is ever in need, Edu-Futuro will be there to provide you with the same amount of support they gave me to ensure my wellbeing and my future success."
Alejandro Erazo, ELP Alumn
"The reason for this email is to express my gratitude to you and Edu-Futuro for the financial aid extended to my family at a very difficult time. Thank you to those who made it possible to donate a communication kit for my daughter Lizz Palza. Besides giving her a lot of happiness, it is and will be very useful for her. My eternal gratitude for such a great attitude. Once again, thank you very much."
Liliana Rodriguez, Parent
Your Donation Will Help Those In Need
