Table of Contents
Edu-Futuro: Back to School! Staff Participates in 14 Events
Celebrating Edu-Futuro’s Partnership with the Alexandria Workforce Development Center
Get Ready for the Edu-Futuro Cup! Join Us for Our 7th Annual Soccer Tournament
Edu-Futuro Launches Fall Programs for Youth & Families
AmeriCorps VISTA Corner: Welcoming Our New Cohort
Edu-Futuro: Back to School! Staff Participates in 14 Events
As the new 2025–2026 school year kicked off, the staff of Edu-Futuro’s flagship Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) proudly participated in 14 Back-to-School events across Northern Virginia, engaging directly with students and families, as well as sharing information about our Fall programs.
Each Back-to-School event took place in the evening, but followed a different format — from open houses and freshman orientations to locker nights and welcome-back carnivals — giving Edu-Futuro a variety of ways to meet students and parents in safe, familiar surroundings. At each school, Edu-Futuro team members were stationed in hallways and high-traffic areas, offering special giveaways and colorful flyers with information about the different programs offered through ELP. Our friendly approach helped us create an inviting atmosphere where families could not only learn more about ELP, but also about the parent-focused programs we offer through our Workforce Development and Parent Empowerment Services. By being present at these school events, our team didn’t just inform, they sparked genuine interest in all the different ways that Edu-Futuro can impact the wellbeing of our families.
“Our participation in the 14 Back-to-School nights allowed us to directly connect with hundreds of families, share key information about Edu-Futuro programs, and strengthen the trust between the school community and our organization,” said Edu-Futuro Manager of Programs, Dulce Oliveros. “It was a valuable opportunity to build new relationships and reaffirm our commitment to the academic success and wellbeing of students and their families.”
In schools like John Lewis High School and Key Middle School in Fairfax, where Edu-Futuro already has a strong programmatic history, our presence helped deepen the partnerships created through years of engagement and accomplishment. “Our team connected with a lot of extraordinary students,” shared Edu-Futuro Youth Program Specialist, Patrick Edmondson. “I look forward to seeing the success of the young leaders this year at John Lewis.” In other locations, such as Belvedere and Lutie Lewis Coates elementary schools in Fairfax, parents who were new to Edu-Futuro asked thoughtful questions, and appreciated the direct access to bilingual staff who could walk them through ELP program options on the spot.
The Back-to-School events marked more than just a return to the classroom, they served as a celebration of connection, possibility, and community. By being present at 14 different schools, Edu-Futuro ensured our free, high-quality programs reached those who need our services most. We are profoundly grateful to the school administrators who welcomed us into their spaces, and to the families who took the time to speak with our staff members. As we move into the fall semester, we remain committed to supporting students and parents with the tools, knowledge, and encouragement they need to thrive. Here is a list of the Back-to-School events our staff participated in this August:
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS)
Elementary Schools:
- Belvedere Elementary School
- Lutie Lewis Coates Elementary School
Middle Schools:
- Glasgow Middle School
- Katherine Johnson Middle School
- Key Middle School
High Schools:
- Annandale High School
- Centreville High School
- Falls Church High School
- John Lewis High School
- Lake Braddock Secondary School
- Westfield High School
- West Potomac High School
Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)
Middle School:
- Francis Hammond Middle School
Prince William County Public Schools (PWCPS)
High School:
- Freedom High School
For more information on Edu-Futuro’s Emerging Leaders Program, please contact Susana Carpio, Youth Programs Team Lead at youthprograms@edu-futuro.org. Edu-Futuro’s Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) is supported in part by a grant from the Verizon Foundation.
Celebrating Edu-Futuro’s Partnership with the Alexandria Workforce Development Center
On the evening of August 26, 2025, Edu-Futuro celebrated the graduation of the organization’s Tech for Parents and Resume & Cover Letter Workshops summer sessions, conducted in partnership with the City of Alexandria’s Workforce Development Center, located at the historic Mark Center. The workforce development programs were originally created by Edu-Futuro to help low-income immigrant job seekers overcome barriers to employment by building the digital and workplace skills they need to thrive in our current economy.
At the celebration, Edu-Futuro and City of Alexandria staff members joined 18 new graduates who had spent the past eight weeks working hard to improve their computer and smartphone digital literacy skills, as well as learn how to write their resumes and cover letters. Over weekly evening sessions, from 6:00 to 8:15 p.m., our students developed confidence, strengthened their communication skills, and connected with peers who shared similar goals.
Each of our hard-working graduates were awarded certificates of completion, had professional photos taken for LinkedIn, and had the opportunity to celebrate alongside their families and friends. In addition to receiving special presentations about college financial aid programs and Edu-Futuro’s popular GED Certification Program, our students heard the inspiring remarks delivered by Mercedes Perdomo, a recent GED graduate who spoke about her immigrant journey and the power of perseverance.
During fiscal year 2024-2025, which ended on June 30, 2025, Edu-Futuro served a total of 218 Alexandria residents through our workforce development programs at the Mark Center.
The partnership between Edu-Futuro and the City of Alexandria’s Workforce Development Center was initially established in 2023, thanks to the work of Michael D. Briscoe, CWDP, CPRW, Employment and Training Specialist with the City of Alexandria; Evelyn Quiles, Program Administrator, Business and Community Partnership Manager, DCHS, Workforce Development Center, City of Alexandria; and Katrina Ashmore, Division Chief of Workforce Development, City of Alexandria, VA, along with our Executive Director, Jorge Figueredo, Deputy Director, Manuel Piñeros, and other members of the Edu-Futuro team. The graduation of our 18 participants was accomplished through the outstanding efforts of Edu-Futuro’s Alexandria Workforce Development Specialist, Jorge Manzaneda, who supervises the technology training sessions and ensures that all students have access to a welcoming space that makes professional advancement more enjoyable and effective.
“At the City of Alexandria’s Workforce Development Center, Edu-Futuro offers a transformative, free program that empowers students and their families,” said Mr. Briscoe. “Spanish-speaking parents, especially those learning English as a second language or facing economic challenges, receive personalized support, resources, and training through Parent Empowerment and Workforce Development Services. Together, we’re helping them overcome barriers and create brighter futures for their families. I’ve been privileged to launch this partnership and open up our Workforce Development Center’s meeting space for these learning initiatives. Over the past two years, we’ve seen incredible results. Many participants have gained new skills, built their confidence, and even landed jobs directly because of this program. Supporting the instructors, the platform, and the families we serve has been an absolute joy. This isn’t just an educational program; it’s a catalyst for hope, growth, and opportunity. I’m honored to play a small part in helping our community thrive.”
At the workforce development skills graduation ceremony, Jorge Manzaneda, our Alexandria Workforce Development Specialist, spoke about his motivation, saying that “helping people find their passion and believe in their goals is already a win for me. I’m here to share the resources Edu-Futuro offers, and to give our students a platform to move forward.”
Edu-Futuro’s workforce development programs at the Mark Center have been supported by the Alexandria Fund for Human Services, as well as by our partnerships with the City of Alexandria’s Workforce Development Center and various nonprofit organizations. This fall, Edu-Futuro’s programs at the Mark Center are set to continue, with a new program launching on October 7, 2025. Held once a week, the classes are being offered in the morning (10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.) and evening (6:00 – 8:00 p.m.). For more information, please contact our Alexandria Workforce Development Specialist, Jorge Manzaneda, at workforcespecialist@edu-futuro.org.
Get Ready for the Edu-Futuro Cup! Join Us for Our 7th Annual Soccer Tournament
Edu-Futuro is proud to host the 7th annual Edu-Futuro Cup on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at Washington-Liberty High School in Arlington County. The friendly soccer tournament is more than an opportunity to play our favorite sport; the event brings our community together and increases awareness about the programs and services offered by Edu-Futuro. In addition, our Annual Soccer Tournament serves as a fundraiser to help sustain and expand Edu-Futuro’s initiatives — from educational programs for youth, to workforce development and family support programs for parents.
“The Soccer Tournament has become an annual tradition, and we are very happy to be hosting the seventh competition for the Edu-Futuro Cup,” said Mariana Balgurevich, Edu-Futuro’s Volunteer Coordinator, and the main organizer of the event. “The full day of fun games supports a great cause, and provides a place where our partner organizations can build employee engagement, while helping us to reach more families in the NOVA community.”
In addition to cheering for their favorite teams, the friendly day of competition will be filled with engaging activities for attendees of all ages. Families can enjoy raffle prizes that include a $50 gift card, an award for the best team mascot, and a variety of concession stands to keep everyone well fed throughout the day. Special guests and additional highlights will be announced soon, ensuring a full day of entertainment, engagement, and learning.
For donors and supporters, sponsoring the Edu-Futuro Cup is a perfect way to see firsthand how their contributions make a difference in the lives of our families. Attendees will have the opportunity to speak directly with our staff members to learn about the needs of the families we serve, the programs we provide, and how their support can directly impact students and parents striving for better opportunities. From the beginning of our annual Soccer Tournament in 2018, the day of sporting competition has offered a chance to connect with others who share a commitment to education, public service, and civic engagement.
Registration is currently open for teams and individual donors. If you are interested in making a donation, please remember that your contribution will help to ensure that Edu-Futuro can continue offering programs that educate, empower, and uplift the families in our community. If you would like to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Edu-Futuro’s Director of Development, Zachary Hoskins, at directorofdevelopment@edu-futuro.org. To register teams, please reach out to our College & Career Access Specialist, Edison Aponte, at edaponte@edu-futuro.org, and for general questions or volunteer opportunities, you can contact Volunteer Coordinator, Mariana Balgurevich, at volunteer@edu-futuro.org.
Edu-Futuro Launches Fall Programs for Youth & Families
As part of Edu-Futuro’s ongoing mission to empower low-income, underserved, and immigrant families through education, leadership development, and family engagement, we are happy to announce the launch of our Fall 2025 youth and parent programs. These services reflect our commitment to expanding educational equity, and providing life-changing opportunities for the families we are privileged to serve throughout Northern Virginia.
ELP STEM Robotics — The program offers middle school students in grades 6–8 the chance to explore science, technology, engineering, and math through fun, hands-on robotics challenges. Youth meet weekly to follow our lesson plan, which is aligned with national Common Core Standards. The program promotes teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving as students work in groups to complete challenges throughout the year. At the end of the program, teams participate in an internal robotics competition to showcase the skills and knowledge they have learned.
Registration is still open for ELP STEM Robotics, which will be offered this fall at:
- Gunston Middle School in Arlington
- Hayfield Secondary School in Fairfax
- Kenmore Middle School in Arlington
- Key Middle School in Fairfax
Emerging Leaders Program (ELP-I) — ELP-I offers a series of college readiness workshops to students in grades 9–11 that includes sessions focusing on different aspects of leadership and career exploration. Students also have the opportunity to participate in several academic competitions throughout the year, with a total of $32,000 in scholarship prizes awarded annually.
The fall session for ELP-I begins on November 1, 2025, and will take place at 15 partner high schools in Fairfax County, Arlington County, and Prince William County. At most sites, sessions will be held Monday through Thursday, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., and from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at Oakton High School and Lake Braddock Secondary School, both located in Fairfax County. The following is a list of our ELP-I sites this fall.
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS)
- Annandale High School
- Centreville High School
- Fairfax High School
- Hayfield Secondary School
- John Lewis High School
- Justice High School
- Lake Braddock Secondary School
- George C. Marshall High School
- Oakton High School
- Robinson Secondary School
- Westfield High School
Arlington County Public Schools (APS)
- Wakefield High School
- Washington-Liberty High School
- Yorktown High School
Prince William County Public Schools (APS)
- Freedom High School
Workforce Development Services (WDS) — This fall, Edu-Futuro’s Workforce Development Services team is offering our Tech for Parents program in two different time schedules. The course begins on October 7, 2025, at the Mark Center in the City of Alexandria, and runs for eight sessions, available in both morning (10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.) and evening (6:00 – 8:00 p.m.) options.
Participate in My Education (Participa En Mi Educación) — This workshop series, which is offered in Spanish, teaches parents and caregivers of elementary school students how to navigate the U.S. public school system. This fall, the program will run virtually from September 8–24 (Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.), and in-person from October 8–November 5, at John Adams Elementary School in the City of Alexandria (Mondays and Wednesdays, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.).
We invite all families to take part in Edu-Futuro’s free, high-impact programs, and invest in a brighter future for themselves and their children. For more information or to register, please reach out to the appropriate contact below:
Youth Programs Team Lead: Susana Carpio — youthprograms@edu-futuro.org
Parent Empowerment Services Team Lead: Natalie Gutiérrez — adultprograms@edu-futuro.org
Workforce Development Team Lead: Joceline Edmonson — workforce@edu-futuro.org
General Program Inquiries: Dulce Oliveros, Manager of Programs — managerofprograms@edu-futuro.org.
AmeriCorps VISTA Corner: Welcoming Our New Cohort
Edu-Futuro is thrilled to welcome our three new AmeriCorps VISTAs to the team. The VISTA program empowers growing organizations by connecting them with talented young professionals who help build the capacity needed to thrive and achieve lasting impact. “This cohort is especially unique because Edu-Futuro is building on the successes of previous VISTAs,” said VISTA Leader, Dante Calfayan. “With a full year of resources, knowledge, and databases gathered from prior cohorts, they can hit the ground running, continuing programs that have already proven effective.”
Xiaoru (Angela) Wang joins Edu-Futuro as a Data Management VISTA: “I chose to serve with Edu-Futuro because its mission of empowering youth and families through education and mentorship deeply resonates with my own values and experiences. Having witnessed the power of guidance and opportunity in transforming lives, I feel inspired to contribute to an organization that uplifts communities. In my role as a Data Management VISTA, I am motivated to strengthen reporting systems and support staff in using data tools that enhance efficiency and impact. What drives me most is knowing that my work helps sustain programs that open doors for youth and families to achieve brighter futures.”
John Scally is joining Edu-Futuro as a Paralegal Researcher VISTA: “Serving in the Peace Corps in Costa Rica gave me experience that was centered on building community capacity, and I’m excited to bring those same skills — listening, collaborating, and problem-solving — to support families in Northern Virginia. I look forward to giving back to the community and helping families access the resources they need.”
Danielle Johnson is now serving as a Curriculum Design VISTA: “Recently, I returned from a year and a half abroad teaching English in Korea. I think diversity is important to the community, and Edu-Futuro specifically works hard to help low-income immigrant families in our community to thrive and grow. With a background in teaching and communications, I am excited to join the team as the new Curriculum Design VISTA to support our programs.”
Together, this VISTA cohort hopes to maintain and expand the success of Edu-Futuro’s programs while bringing new energy and perspective to the organization. Their work will allow the organization to continue serving families at the highest level, providing sustainable methods and measurable outcomes that will benefit the community for years to come. Their collective goal is to strengthen community connections, empower families, and support the long-term growth and sustainability of Edu-Futuro’s mission.
For more information on Edu-Futuro’s AmeriCorps VISTA program, please contact Dante Calfayan, our VISTA Team Leader, at vistaleader@edu-futuro.org. For more information on Edu-Futuro’s AmeriCorps programs, please contact Joy Harvey, AmeriCorps Programs Coordinator, at americorps@edu-futuro.org.
Financial Tip
How To Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams
Scammers use email or text messages to trick you into giving them your personal and financial information. But there are several ways to protect yourself.
How To Recognize Phishing
Scammers use email or text messages to try to steal your passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers. If they get that information, they could get access to your email, bank, or other accounts, or they could sell your information to other scammers. Cybercriminals launch thousands of phishing attacks like these every day — and they’re often successful. Scammers often update their tactics to keep up with the latest news or trends, but here are some common tactics used in phishing emails or text messages.
Phishing emails and text messages often tell a story to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment. You might get an unexpected email or text message that looks like it’s from a company you know or trust, like a bank or a credit card or utility company. Or maybe it’s from an online payment website or app. The message could be from a scammer, who might:
- say they’ve noticed some suspicious activity or log-in attempts — they haven’t.
- claim there’s a problem with your account or your payment information — there isn’t.
- say you need to confirm some personal or financial information — you don’t.
- include an invoice you don’t recognize — it’s fake.
- want you to click on a link to make a payment — but the link has malware.
- say you’re eligible to register for a government refund — it’s a scam.
- offer a coupon for free stuff — it’s not real.
Here’s a real-world example of a phishing email:
Imagine you saw this in your inbox. At first glance, this email looks real, but it’s not. Scammers who send emails like this one are hoping you won’t notice it’s a fake. Here are signs that this email is a scam, even though it looks like it comes from a company you know — and even uses the company’s logo in the header:
- The email has a generic greeting.
- The email says your account is on hold because of a billing problem.
- The email invites you to click on a link to update your payment details.
While real companies might communicate with you by email, legitimate companies won’t email or text with a link to update your payment information. Phishing emails can often have real consequences for people who give scammers their information, including identity theft. And they might harm the reputation of the companies they’re spoofing.
How To Protect Yourself from Phishing Attacks
Your email spam filters might keep many phishing emails out of your inbox, but scammers are always trying to outsmart spam filters, so extra layers of protection can help. Here are three ways to protect yourself from phishing attacks:
- Protect your computer by using security software. Set the software to update automatically so it will deal with any new security threats.
- Protect your cell phone by setting software to update automatically. These updates could give you critical protection against security threats.
- Protect your accounts by using multi-factor authentication. Some accounts offer extra security by requiring two or more credentials to log in to your account. This is called multi-factor authentication. The extra credentials you need to log in to your account fall into three categories —
- Something you know — like a passcode, a PIN, or the answer to a security question
- Something you have — like a one-time verification passcode you get by text, email, or from an authenticator app; or a security key
- Something you are — like a scan of your fingerprint, your retina, or your face
What To Do if You Suspect a Phishing Attack
If you get an email or a text message that asks you to click on a link or open an attachment, answer this question: Do I have an account with the company or know the person who contacted me?
If the answer is “No,” it could be a phishing scam. Go back and review the advice in How to recognize phishing and look for signs of a phishing scam. If you see them, report the message and then delete it. If the answer is “Yes,” contact the company using a phone number or website you know is real — not the information in the email. Attachments and links might install harmful malware.
What To Do if You Responded to a Phishing Email
If you think a scammer has your information, like your Social Security, credit card, or bank account number, go to IdentityTheft.gov. There you’ll see the specific steps to take based on the information that you lost. If you think you clicked on a link or opened an attachment that downloaded harmful software, update your computer’s security software. Then run a scan and remove anything it identifies as a problem.
Health & Wellness
The Hidden Connection: Teen Vaping and Mental Health
When most parents think about the risks of e-cigarettes, the first concerns that come to mind are lung damage, nicotine addiction, and the brightly colored flavored devices that seem designed to attract teenagers. While all of these dangers are very real, new research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that the harms of vaping go deeper than the lungs. E-cigarette use among adolescents is now strongly linked to symptoms of depression and anxiety, and the relationship appears to grow stronger the more a young person vapes.
What the Study Found
The study, published in Preventing Chronic Disease in August 2025, analyzed data from the National Youth Tobacco Survey, which included thousands of middle and high school students across the United States. The results were troubling:
- 42% of youth who currently used e-cigarettes reported moderate to severe symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- In contrast, about 21% of youth who had never vaped — or who had tried it in the past but no longer used e-cigarettes — reported similar symptoms.
- Teens who showed higher levels of anxiety and depression were more likely to report stronger nicotine dependence. They often said they needed to vape soon after waking up, or that they found it difficult to stop even when they wanted to.
- Many of these teens had tried to quit, but without proper support and resources, their attempts were often unsuccessful.
This evidence reinforces what pediatricians and mental health professionals have been warning for years: vaping is not just a physical health issue; it is also closely tied to emotional well-being.
Why Nicotine and Mental Health Don’t Mix
Nicotine is a powerful stimulant that changes the way the brain works. For teenagers, whose brains are still developing until about age 25, those changes can be long-lasting. Nicotine alters the way neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin are released — chemicals that regulate mood, motivation, and feelings of pleasure.
At first, vaping may give a teen a brief sense of calm or focus. But over time, nicotine dependency can disrupt the brain’s natural balance, leading to cycles of irritability, sadness, and anxiety when the drug wears off. This is especially harmful for adolescents already struggling with stress from school, peer pressure, or social media. The CDC’s findings suggest that the link is not just coincidence: vaping may be contributing to worsening mental health, and poor mental health may make teens more vulnerable to vaping as a form of self-medication. It becomes a dangerous cycle that is hard to break.
What Parents Should Watch For
Parents are often the first to notice changes in their child’s mood or behavior. Here are some warning signs that could indicate a teen is both vaping and struggling emotionally:
- Increased irritability or mood swings.
- Withdrawal from family or friends.
- Declining interest in school or activities they once enjoyed.
- Unexplained coughing, frequent sore throats, or needing to use the bathroom more often (a common cover for vaping).
- Strong, sweet, or fruity scents that don’t match typical perfumes or body sprays.
While these signs don’t always point to vaping, taken together they can be a signal that something is wrong.
How to Talk to Your Teen
Starting a conversation about vaping and mental health can feel overwhelming, but experts recommend a calm and supportive approach. Instead of leading with accusations, try to ask open-ended questions:
- “I’ve been reading about how vaping affects stress and mood. What have you heard about it?”
- “Sometimes people use e-cigarettes because they’re feeling anxious. How have you been feeling lately?”
These conversations should be grounded in care, not punishment. The goal is to understand your child’s perspective, provide accurate information, and offer healthier coping strategies.
Where to Find Help
If your teen is vaping and also showing signs of depression or anxiety, you don’t have to face it alone. Here are resources parents can use:
- Quitline: Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW for free, confidential help in English and Spanish.
- Text support: Teens can text “DITCHVAPE” to 88709 for real-time tips and encouragement through the Truth Initiative.
- Healthcare providers: Pediatricians can screen for nicotine addiction and mental health concerns and connect families to counseling or treatment.
- School resources: Many schools now have counselors or student support programs specifically trained to address vaping.
Taking Action Together
The CDC study is a wake-up call. Vaping is not just a trendy habit or a passing phase — this potential cause of nicotine addiction has serious consequences for the mental and emotional health of young people. As parents, educators, and community members, we have the power to change the conversation around vaping. That means staying informed, watching for warning signs, and reaching out for help when needed. Every conversation, every piece of guidance, and every supportive action we take can help a young person break free from nicotine and protect their well-being. The future health of our children depends on being alert and taking action.
Edu-Futuro’s Strengthening Families 10-14 Program, which helps teens to reduce such risky behaviors as tobacco use and vaping, is sponsored in part by a generous grant from the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth (VFHY), empowering Virginia’s youth to make healthy choices by promoting active, nutritious and tobacco-free living.