Table of Contents
Edu-Family Brings Together Hundreds of Parents & Students
Edu-Futuro Receives Award from Fairfax County School Board
AmeriCorps Member Wins FCPS Award for Outstanding Secondary New Teacher
New Technology Award Encourages STEM Study
My Dorm Room Partners with Edu-Futuro
VISTA/AmeriCorps Corner — Stephanie Claure
Edu-Futuro to Celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Night on September 4, 2025
Edu-Family Brings Together Hundreds of Parents & Students
Demonstrating a deep sense of family unity and a powerful commitment to education, approximately 500 students, parents, volunteers, and Edu-Futuro staff members gathered on the Fairfax campus of George Mason University on Saturday, July 19, 2025, for Edu-Family, a full day of activities aimed at helping underserved youth build a solid path to college and professional success.
After four years, Edu-Family has become an annual tradition, as well as Edu-Futuro’s largest, most ambitious event of the year. Since 2022, Edu-Futuro has worked with three different local colleges to host our students and parents, most of whom had never visited a college campus before their Edu-Family experience. We are profoundly grateful to the administration and staff of Northern Virginia Community College, Marymount University, and now, George Mason University, for their partnership and remarkable support.
“What a phenomenal day,” said Edu-Futuro Executive Director, Jorge Figueredo. “Our Edu-Family Day 2025 once again proved just how dedicated our parents are about the education of their children, and how excited our students are to see all the possibilities for the future. Seeing hundreds of families choose to spend their entire Saturday immersed in conversation about education was truly magical! The campus of George Mason University is very beautiful, and you could see the spark of possibility ignite in the eyes of our parents as they thought about the amazing world of higher education that could change the lives of their children.”
Throughout the day, students in Edu-Futuro’s Emerging Leaders Programs (ELP) had the opportunity to rotate through comprehensive learning workshops, including College 101, Resume Building, and Networking. In addition, our students participated in a Career Panel, attended a College Fair that featured representatives from seven local universities, and were treated to a guided tour of the George Mason University campus. Importantly, the impact of Edu-Family extended beyond the single day for our ELP youth, as the students continued their educational journey during our Mentoring Week, from July 21 to 26. The additional learning experience included workshops covering such topics as Public Speaking, Time Management, LinkedIn & Indeed Training, Vision for Life Planning, Civic Engagement, Essay Writing, and Mock Interviews.
During the morning sessions of Edu-Family, our middle school students participated in two different robotics challenges designed to spark their interest in coding and other STEM fields. In the afternoon, they took part in a series of Social & Emotional Learning (SEL) sessions intended to help them manage emotions, set positive goals, and begin preparing for the transition from middle school to high school. Parents were equally integral to the success of Edu-Family, participating in targeted training sessions designed to support the education of their children. Morning sessions for parents included “Manager to Coach: Tips for being a Parent of a Teenager,” “Banking and Budgeting Basics,” and “Social Emotional Learning for Your Teenager.” The afternoon program for our parents featured an innovative workshop entitled, “Job Search: Leveraging AI,” which was designed to equip participants with tools and strategies needed to understand and navigate the quickly changing employment landscape.
Without a doubt, two of the most popular events during Edu-Family were the Career Panel and the College Fair. In the Career Panel session, our students had the opportunity to hear from, and ask questions of a distinguished group of guests that included: Julie Bauer, Chief External Relations Officer at OCC; Sukhi Sahni, SVP, Head of Integrated Strategy & Operations at Wells Fargo; Adriana López, Strategic Planning & Program Leadership Advocacy Consultant; Abby Pineyro, Business Strategy & Transformation Consultant at Guidehouse; Natalie Milman, Associate Dean, Graduate School of Education & Human Development at The George Washington University; Karla Donas, Registered Nurse at Inova Fairfax Hospital; and Fabricio Rua-Sánchez, ELP Alumni and Agile Developer at Freddie Mac. The College Fair at Edu-Family provided direct access to representatives from such prestigious institutions as Old Dominion University, Virginia Tech, George Mason University, William & Mary, and Northern Virginia Community College.
“On July 19, it was incredibly rewarding to see nearly 500 people come together after weeks — truly months — of preparation. What we witnessed wasn’t just an event; it was the result of collaboration, courage, commitment, and care from every part of our community,” said Edu-Futuro’s Volunteer Coordinator, Mariana Balgurevich, who played a key role in the planning and coordination of Edu-Family. “The success of this event was made possible thanks to the smooth collaboration between our programmatic team and volunteer coordination, along with the invaluable support of Lauren Macgregor, Assistant Director of College Success & First Gen Recruitment at George Mason University, who played an integral role in our core planning team. Our efforts were strongly supported by the exceptional contributions of our AmeriCorps members, who ensured their sessions stood out with excellence and purpose. Close to 70 volunteers also played a vital role: facilitating engaging sessions for parents, doing demo robots for our middle school students, caring for younger children, serving breakfast, supporting registration, capturing memories, managing audiovisual needs, and helping the entire day run smoothly from start to finish. We couldn’t have reached this level of participation, engagement, and impact without the support and belief in our mission from every single one of the people involved. Thank you — for showing up, for caring, and for making this our most successful event yet. Education matters!”
The great success of Edu-Family 2025 stands as a powerful testament to our community’s unwavering belief in the life-changing impact of a college diploma, as well as to Edu-Futuro’s focus on breaking the cycle of poverty through the power of education. According to Executive Director Jorge Figueredo: “All of us are very proud that Edu-Family has become an important bridge between our community and the invaluable opportunities offered by our local institutions of higher education. Despite the challenges we are all facing today, a college education is still within reach for the overwhelming majority of our students. They have all the potential in the world, and at Edu-Futuro, we have already seen the enormous success of alumni from our programs who have graduated from college, started successful professional careers, and have forever changed the economic future of their families.”
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.
Edu-Futuro Receives Award from Fairfax County School Board
We are pleased to announce that Edu-Futuro has been named to the 2025 Virginia School Boards Association’s Business Honor Roll by Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). The prestigious recognition, awarded for significant contributions to public education, was presented to Edu-Futuro’s leadership team during the Fairfax County School Board meeting held on the evening of July 10, 2025, at Luther Jackson Middle School.
Present to receive the FCPS award on behalf of Edu-Futuro were: Executive Director, Jorge Figueredo; Deputy Director, Manuel Piñeros; Manager of Programs, Dulce Oliveros; Parent and Student Outreach Team Lead, Beatriz Gutiérrez; Case Management Team Lead, Jessika Bermúdez; and Communications & Programs Manager, Eduardo López. “We recognize that this achievement truly belongs to our entire Edu-Futuro family,” said Manuel. “Our dedicated staff members, AmeriCorps State and VISTA members, committed volunteers, and donors throughout Fairfax County and the Northern Virginia region make the work of Edu-Futuro possible every day.”
The Virginia School Boards Association’s Business Honor Roll celebrates local businesses and nonprofit organizations that play a crucial role in strengthening public schools through various forms of support, including financial contributions, volunteer efforts, and innovative programming. This year, Edu-Futuro was selected alongside the Navy Federal Credit Union and Patient First.
During the ceremony held at Jackson Middle School, members of the School Board noted that partnerships between schools and local organizations not only foster community collaboration, but also enhance educational opportunities for both students and parents. In their invitation to the award event, the Fairfax County School Board praised Edu-Futuro’s, “exemplary leadership, community service, and incredible commitment to our students and FCPS.”
For more information about the Virginia Boards of Association’s Business Honor Roll, please contact Edu-Futuro’s Deputy Director, Manuel Piñeros, at deputydirector@edu-futuro.org.
AmeriCorps Member Wins FCPS Award for Outstanding Secondary New Teacher
Immediately following our recognition at Jackson Middle School on July 10, 2025, the Fairfax County School Board honored Edu-Futuro’s own AmeriCorps member, Emmeline Mejía, with a special commendation for her recent win as the 2025 Outstanding Secondary New Teacher in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). We could not be prouder of Emmeline, who in addition to her AmeriCorps work with our families, also serves as a Multilingual Learners Teacher at Justice High School.
One month before she was recognized during the School Board meeting, Emmeline received her award for excellence at the 2025 FCPS Honors Recognition Ceremony, held on June 11, 2025, at George Mason University’s Center for the Arts. FCPS said the following about Emmeline in the website honoring the 2025 award recipients and finalists: “Now in her second year as a teacher, Emmeline empowers newcomer students in her ‘Strategies for Success’ course as they navigate a new language, school, and culture. Extending her impact beyond the classroom, she coaches JV girls’ soccer in addition to leading the EnFuego Football Club, a nonprofit organization providing soccer opportunities for students facing financial barriers. Emmeline also dedicates her time to mentoring teens through Young Life. Deeply committed to equity and inclusion, she is passionate about ensuring every student receives the essential support, opportunities, and encouragement needed to learn, grow, and truly thrive.”
The rigorous FCPS awards selection process began at the school level, with each institution nominating their top candidates. Winners then advanced through the pyramid and regional levels before reaching the county-wide FCPS competition. Emmeline’s recognition represents not only her individual accomplishments, but also her unique distinction among a field of exceptional educators across Fairfax County.
As a first-generation college student who entered education through the FCPS Teacher Residency Program, Emmeline brings a unique perspective to her role and to her students. “Winning the award is an incredible honor that means so much to me,” she shared. “It is a reminder that when you lead with love, purpose, and a servant’s heart, the impact reaches far beyond the classroom. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to pour into my students and be a part of a community that believes in the power of education and the importance of lifting others.”
The FCPS Honors Recognition Ceremony represents the school system’s commitment to highlighting and honoring outstanding employees who demonstrate superior instructional and support practices. The annual event highlights Fairfax County Public Schools’ dedication to excellence in teaching students, leading schools, and providing comprehensive support to the educational community. The Outstanding New Teacher Award specifically recognizes elementary and secondary teachers within their first three years of work who show exceptional performance and instructional skills. Nominations can come from any FCPS employee or community member, ensuring that emerging talent receive the recognition they deserve.
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 State program, please contact Joceline Briceño, Workforce Development Services Team Lead at workforce@edu-futuro.org.
New Technology Award Encourages STEM Study
One of the highlights of the May 31, 2025, graduation held for the nearly 70 high school seniors who participated in our 2024-2025 Emerging Leaders Program – Part II (ELP-II), was the launch of a brand-new scholarship opportunity that exemplifies the power of community support in advancing STEM education. Thanks to the vision and the generous monetary contribution of dedicated volunteer, Gabriela “Gabby” Coe, Edu-Futuro proudly introduced the Keys to the Future Technology Scholarship during the ELP-II graduation ceremony. The $1,000 scholarship was specifically created to support a deserving high school senior pursuing a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) by assisting with the purchase of essential technology for their academic success.
As a longtime systems engineer at Northrop Grumman, Gabby understands the critical role technology plays in academic and professional success. Her commitment to inspiring underrepresented communities extends beyond her volunteer work at Edu-Futuro, as she also hosts the podcast, “Keys to the Future,” which spotlights voices that encourage diverse students to pursue STEM careers. Her particular interest in our Emerging Leaders Program and its support for STEM-bound students made this scholarship a natural extension of her advocacy work.
“I believe that access to opportunity shouldn’t be limited by access to tools. That’s why I created the Keys to the Future Technology scholarship — to help bridge the digital divide and ensure that every student has what they need to succeed,” said Gabby. “College is a time of discovery, growth, and challenge, and in today’s world, technology is essential to that journey. From writing papers and designing experiments, to joining virtual lectures and collaborating on projects, technology isn’t just a convenience, it’s a lifeline to learning. The Keys to the Future Technology Scholarship is a small way of saying: We see your potential, we believe in your future, and we’re here to support your path forward. To our scholarship recipient, Keyla Park Hernández, I would like to say: You’ve already demonstrated the drive, curiosity, and resilience that this world needs. We’re proud to play a part in your journey, and we can’t wait to see all that you’ll accomplish.”
The application process for the scholarship drew six exceptional candidates who submitted compelling two-page essays in May 2025. Applicants were challenged to describe a specific experience where technology played a crucial role in their learning, problem-solving, or skill development, and to articulate how they envision technology shaping their field of study and career aspirations. A dedicated group of five Edu-Futuro volunteers carefully reviewed all submissions, identifying the top three essays to share with Gabby for final selection. The unanimous decision of the panel was Keyla Park Hernández, a remarkable student who will be attending James Madison University in the fall to pursue a major in Nursing.
On June 24, 2025, Keyla visited Edu-Futuro’s Arlington office to receive her brand-new 15” MacBook Air, which was purchased in great part with the funds provided by the Keys to the Future Technology Scholarship.
Zachary Hoskins, Edu-Futuro’s Director of Development, was instrumental in facilitating the creation of the important gift. “It was an honor and privilege to facilitate Gabby’s gift of the inaugural Keys to the Future Technology Scholarship this summer,” he said. “Thanks to Gabby’s generosity, one of our star students will be attending James Madison University in the fall with a brand-new MacBook Air — a critical tool for her as she pursues her major in Nursing. I cannot think of a more deserving recipient of this award than Keyla, and I know she shares my gratitude to Gabby for making this possible.”
As Keyla begins her journey at James Madison, she carries with her not just an excellent MacBook Air, but the knowledge that her community believes in her potential and is invested in her success. This is the true power of scholarships like Keys to the Future, which create ripple effects that extend far beyond the immediate monetary gift, inspiring students to achieve their goals and, in turn, inspire others in their communities. We extend our deepest gratitude to Gabby Coe for establishing this meaningful scholarship, and look forward to supporting many more students through this generous program in the years to come.
For more information about Edu-Futuro’s Department of Development, please contact Zachary Hoskins, Edu-Futuro’s Director of Development at directorofdevelopment@edu-futuro.org.
My Dorm Room Partners with Edu-Futuro
Sometimes the smallest details make the biggest difference. When Debbie Roumell read Michelle Obama’s memoir, Becoming, one story stopped her in her tracks. Obama shared how, as a first-generation college student arriving at Princeton, she had never heard of “extra-long bedsheets,” and spent her entire freshman year sleeping with her feet hanging off the bed onto the cold plastic mattress. That moment of recognition sparked something profound, and Debbie realized that while we celebrate students getting into college, we often overlook the practical challenges they face once they arrive.
For many first-generation college students from low-income backgrounds, the simple act of making a dorm room feel like home can be an unexpected hurdle.
In 2023, Debbie founded My Dorm Room, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that college-bound students in the Washington region have the basic essentials they need to create a comfortable living space during their first year of postsecondary education. The concept is beautifully simple: students create a “dorm registry” — much like a wedding or baby registry — listing the items they need from trusted vendors. My Dorm Room then uses donated funds to purchase these items, providing up to $250 per student.
The registry system ensures both dignity and practicality. Students choose what they need, whether that’s extra-long sheets, storage organizers, shower essentials, cozy blankets, or decorative lights. The only requirement is that items come from My Dorm Room’s partner vendors, ensuring quality and safety.
This year marked a meaningful milestone, as My Dorm Room partnered with Edu-Futuro for the first time, and offered eight ELP students the opportunity to complete dorm registries and receive essential items for their first-year dorm room. The partnership came to life at a small gathering in Arlington, where four of the eight student recipients joined Debbie and Edu-Futuro program staff for the official presentation of the items they had ordered through the registry provided by My Dorm Room.
Zachary Hoskins, Edu-Futuro’s Director of Development, and one of the program organizers noted: “We and our students are both extremely grateful for the opportunity to partner with Debbie and My Dorm Room this year for the first — and hopefully not the last time! Thanks to My Dorm Room and their donors, eight of our 2025 ELP graduates will be going away to college with the items they need to make their dorm rooms as comfortable as possible, and to give their new living spaces a touch of home as they begin college this fall.”
In a world where college costs and barriers seem to grow more daunting each year, My Dorm Room reminds us that sometimes the most meaningful support comes in the form of the simplest necessities: sheets that fit, a light that feels like home, and the knowledge that someone cares about the details that make all the difference. For more information about Edu-Futuro’s Department of Development, please contact Zachary Hoskins, Edu-Futuro’s Director of Development at directorofdevelopment@edu-futuro.org.
VISTA/AmeriCorps Corner — Stephanie Claure
This year, Edu-Futuro has been receiving the invaluable help of AmeriCorps State, as well as AmeriCorps VISTA members. Our cohort of AmeriCorps State members play a critical role in the lives of our students and parents by serving as facilitators in the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) and Workforce Development Services (WDS). Our AmeriCorps VISTA members work in a variety of key capacity building projects, including the updating of our beneficiary database, conducting research on funding opportunities, and development of brand-new curricula for students and parents. This is our corner to highlight the great work being done by Edu-Futuro’s VISTA members and AmeriCorps members. Today we spotlight an outstanding achievement from AmeriCorps State member, Stephanie Claure.
“Hi! My name is Stephanie. I grew up between Arlington, VA, and Bolivia, and I’m now entering my second year at George Mason University, where I’m studying Forensic Chemistry. My career goal is to work in the nonprofit sector, focusing on supporting individuals struggling with substance use disorders, and helping to prevent the spread of drugs in our communities.
I joined Edu-Futuro around the time I had moved back to the U.S. from Bolivia. Edu-Futuro was so helpful for me when I was adjusting to high school here, and learning how to apply to colleges. I completed all of the ELP programs, and upon finishing ELP-III earlier this year, my mentor encouraged me to join AmeriCorps.
I really enjoyed this opportunity to give back to Edu-Futuro over the summer, and get to be part of the behind-the-scenes for all the programs I had participated in before when I was a student. Getting to lead my own workshops, and help out with robotics for Edu-Futuro helped me develop new teamwork and leadership skills that I will take with me throughout college. I hope to use the outreach experience I earned in other areas for future advocacy work around substance use awareness. As I continue serving with Edu-Futuro, I will be working on program recruitment and as a leader for our new Emerging Leaders Programs!”
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 State program, please contact Susana Carpio, Youth Programs Team Lead at youthprograms@edu-futuro.org.
Edu-Futuro to Celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Night on September 4, 2025
Our incredible volunteers are the heart of everything we do at Edu-Futuro, and we want to celebrate your dedication! We invite you to join us for a fun evening of bowling, food, and friendship as we show our gratitude for your countless hours of dedication.
When: Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Bowlero (formerly known as Bowl America Falls Church), 140 S. Maple Avenue, Falls Church, VA 22046.
Who: Edu-Futuro Volunteers, Edu-Futuro Staff, AmeriCorps State and VISTA members.
This special evening is our way of saying thank you for making our work possible. Come strike up some fun with fellow volunteers, Edu-Futuro staff, AmeriCorps State and VISTA members, and enjoy an evening of recognition and appreciation. Space is limited, so in the name of fairness to all our volunteers, we will be using a lottery system to choose the individuals who will receive an official invitation by email. Please check your inboxes! We can’t wait to see you at Bowlero, and to celebrate the amazing work you do for our community!
For more information about volunteer opportunities at Edu-Futuro, please contact Mariana Balgurevich, our Volunteer Coordinator, at volunteer@edu-futuro.org.
Financial Tip
Latinos, Literacy & Wealth
The wealth gap between non-Latino families and Latino families in the United States is significant, with non-Latino families accumulating five times more wealth on average. Latinos face various challenges in building wealth and acquiring financial literacy, including a lack of intergenerational wealth transfer and financial literacy within Latino families, a lack of financial education platforms, racial disparities, limited access to capital, language barriers, and fewer investment opportunities. Let’s take a closer look at some of the obstacles Latinos face when trying to improve wealth management and financial outcomes.
Lack of Intergenerational Wealth Transfer
One of the key factors contributing to the wealth gap among Latinos is the lack of intergenerational wealth transfer within Latino families. Many underserved communities do not have the same number of generations to have built wealth in the United States, resulting in a significant lack of inherited capital.
Conversations Around Money Are Considered Taboo
Most young people learn the basics of wealth management from their parents, however within the Latino community, conversations around finances are often considered taboo and are therefore avoided altogether. In fact, studies show that Black and Hispanic households have the lowest rates of financial discussions. The lack of generational wealth transfer, coupled with the taboo of financial discussions among Latinos, leads to generations of Latinos earning less over their lifetimes compared to their non-Latino counterparts.
Limited Access to Financial Markets and Barriers to Homeownership
These barriers play a crucial role in wealth accumulation. Homeowners tend to own more assets and have higher net worth compared to renters; however, Latino homeowners have a net worth that is half as much as non-Latino homeowners, highlighting the disparities in homeownership rates between the two groups. Because of significant pay losses, Latinos may face limits in their ability to build generational wealth.
Distrust In Financial Institutions
One study showed that 8.4% of Hispanic households are unbanked, compared to only 1.7% of white households with incomes between $30,000 and $50,000. When asked why they are unbanked, 13.2% cited distrust in banks. This distrust is understandable given that many Latino families are still dealing with the fallout from the 2008 financial crisis, which decimated Latino wealth through risky subprime mortgage loans; Hispanic families lost 44% of their wealth between 2007 and 2010.
Lack of Financial Literacy Education, Especially Among Latino Youth
When we surveyed a small group of Latino youth between the ages of 18-29, only 10% said they have attended a class focused on enhancing financial management skills. Enhancing financial literacy education, especially among Latino youth, empowers individuals to effectively navigate intricate financial systems, and to grasp the significance of budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt wisely. Prioritizing financial literacy education for Latino students is an investment in their future achievements and the prosperity of their communities at large. It is crucial for improving financial outcomes for the next generations of Latinos in America.
According to a survey conducted by the TIAA Institute, Hispanics tend to have lower financial literacy than U.S. adults in general, with only 38% answering the Personal Finance Index (P-Fin Index) questions correctly, compared with 50% among all adults. Among Latino youth, this percentage is even lower (35% for millennials and 36% for Gen Z).
Providing financial literacy information to Latino high school students is essential for promoting economic empowerment, breaking the cycle of poverty, and fostering financial independence and stability within Latino communities. By equipping students with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage their finances, we can help them build a brighter and more prosperous future for themselves and their families.
Collaboration and advocacy among stakeholders are crucial to address these challenges and elevate financial literacy as a top educational priority. Updating the curriculum, providing enhanced teacher training, and garnering support from all parties can ensure that students acquire the essential skills for financial success and informed decision-making. Additionally, financial institutions can play a critical role in helping to facilitate financial literacy among Latino youth through community outreach and fair lending practices that prioritize building trust and knowledge. By providing education on financial literacy, wealth management, and investment opportunities, we can help bridge the wealth gap and empower Latinos to achieve financial freedom and create a more secure future for themselves and their families.
This article was written by Jasmine Cruz, Sandy Morris, Francy Gutiérrez, Jennifer Doran, Jessica Rivera, and Rebecca Melley. For more information, please visit this website.
Health & Wellness
FDA’s Authorization of Juul Big Step Backward for Prevention of Youth Vaping
According to the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, and other public health advocates, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s (FDA) July 17, 2025, decision to authorize the sale of Juul e-cigarettes, including menthol-flavored products, risks a reversal of recent progress in reducing youth vaping. Largely because of Juul, e-cigarette use among high school students skyrocketed from 11.7% in 2017, to 27.5% in 2019, leading the U.S. Surgeon General to declare youth vaping an epidemic.
“It is a big step in the wrong direction to authorize sales of the product that was responsible for this public health crisis in the first place,” said Yolonda C. Richardson, President and CEO of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. “There is no question that this crisis was driven by Juul’s sleek, easy-to-hide products, which were sold in enticing flavors, including menthol, were marketed in ways that appeal to kids and delivered massive doses of nicotine that can quickly addict kids.”
The danger to the health of U.S. adolescents is so great that Juul has had to pay over $1.1 billion in settlements of lawsuits brought by states and other parties. Additionally, despite recent declines in youth e-cigarette use, Juul products remain popular among youth. According to the 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey, Juul remained in the top five most popular e-cigarette brands among U.S. youth, including 12.6% of current middle and high school e-cigarette users. Juul was the third most popular vaping brand among middle school e-cigarette users.
One of the most troubling aspects of the recent authorization is that the FDA approved the sale of menthol-flavored Juul products given the scientific evidence that menthol is a flavor that appeals to kids. According to the CDC, tobacco companies have a longstanding history of adding menthol to tobacco products to make them seem less harsh and more appealing to young people. Moreover, menthol enhances the effects of nicotine on the brain and can make tobacco products even more addictive. The FDA itself has found, in denying marketing applications for other menthol-flavored e-cigarettes, that “non-tobacco-flavored e-cigarettes, including menthol flavored e-cigarettes, have a known and substantial risk with regard to youth appeal, uptake and use.”
The U.S. has made significant progress in reducing youth e-cigarette use in recent years through restrictions on flavored products, education campaigns, and other strategies. But over 1.6 million U.S. youth still currently use e-cigarettes, and nearly 90% of them use flavored products. To protect kids, the FDA should deny marketing applications for flavored e-cigarettes and, along with other federal agencies, step up enforcement efforts against the many illegal products currently on the market.
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.