Table of Contents
Students Celebrate College Journey at ELP-III Graduation Ceremony
GED Students Mark Major Educational Accomplishments
Línea Directa Wins Two Emmy Awards for Public Service
Edu-Futuro Awarded Major Grant from Impact100 DC
AmeriCorps/VISTA Corner – Emmeline Mejía
Students Celebrate College Journey at ELP-III Graduation Ceremony
The halls of Deloitte’s Arlington office buzzed with activity on Friday, June 6, 2025, as Edu-Futuro partnered with the global consulting firm to celebrate the graduation of 30 students from our Emerging Leaders Program, Part III. Known as ELP-III, the Edu-Futuro program helps students attending local colleges to navigate the postsecondary experience, and to stay on the path to college graduation and a professional career. The graduation ceremony marked an important academic milestone for the Edu-Futuro youth and their families, as studies demonstrate that, nationally, approximately 40% of all Hispanic and first-generation college students drop out before reaching graduation.
More than a celebration, the all-day event offered our ELP-III students the opportunity to participate in two academic and professional workshops delivered by members of the Deloitte team. Our ELP-III youth engaged in sessions focusing on Business Chemistry and Financial Literacy, two thought-provoking exercises that helped them build essential self-awareness and teamworking skills, as well as learn about the concrete steps they can take to reach financial independence. Following the educational components of the day, our students and their families had lunch, and gathered for the ELP-III graduation ceremony. One of the highlights of the event featured each of our 30 students receiving a certificate, along with a $500 scholarship in recognition of their achievements throughout the program year. The $15,000 in scholarships awarded at the graduation were made possible by the generous contributions of Edu-Futuro donors at such annual events as our Anniversary Gala and Soccer Tournament.
Another graduation highlight was the speech delivered by our Keynote Speaker, Carla Bustillos, Co-Founder and Advisory Board Member of the Venezuelan American Caucus. Ms. Bustillos brought a powerful message of advocacy and empowerment to our students, drawing from her experience in political leadership and community organizing. As a champion for democracy in the Americas and Latino empowerment in the United States, Ms. Bustillos has dedicated her career to uplifting the Latino community and amplifying the voices of immigrant families. Her journey from attending NOVA (Northern Virginia Community College) to American University’s School of International Services resonated deeply with our ELP-III students, many of whom are navigating similar educational pathways.
“ELP-III has provided me with consistent mentorship and support that helped me stay on track during my first year of college,” said Fernando Molina Gómez, an ELP-III student majoring in psychology at Juniata College in Pennsylvania. “It connected me with resources like scholarships and internships, while giving me a space to reflect on my goals. I am especially grateful for the sense of community it offered, reminding me than I am not alone in the journey.”
Helen Hernández, a psychology student following a Pre-Med track at the University of Virginia, emphasized the program’s lasting impact, noting: “This program has had a great impact on my college experience so far, and I know that it will continue to help me even after graduation. This year, I learned about so many opportunities and general information that will make a difference once I continue on to Graduate School. My mentor also provided me with a great support system. He saw my potential and made sure that I was provided with the support I needed to complete my challenging second semester.”
Edison Aponte, Edu-Futuro’s College & Career Access Specialist, supervises the ELP-III program. At the graduation, he said: “It was really gratifying and special to see the growth and confidence that each graduating student has shown in the past year, resulting in all of them completing a successful year in college. We are very proud of our students as they move forward.”
For more information about Edu-Futuro’s Emerging Leaders Program, please contact Susana Carpio, Edu-Futuro’s 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.
GED Students Mark Major Educational Accomplishments
Edu-Futuro’s GED Certification Program is a comprehensive, year-long course that helps student participants earn the equivalent of a high school diploma through four quarterly modules: Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, and Sciences. On Saturday, June 7, 2025, nearly 150 Edu-Futuro staff, students, and family members gathered in the auditorium of John Lewis High School in Fairfax for a very special double celebration. At the beginning of the event, 11 of our students donned caps and gowns to mark the culmination of a major life achievement — attainment of the Commonwealth of Virginia Certificate of General Educational Development (GED) awarded by the Virginia Department of Education. Our 11 outstanding graduates — all immigrant mothers — walked the stage with pride to receive their GED certificates as their families and friends cheered and applauded their courage, determination, and hard work.
Immediately following the initial ceremony, the focus of the event shifted to 85 other Edu-Futuro students who were celebrating their own educational accomplishment — completion of the GED Certification Program’s Sciences module. Each one of our participants had the opportunity to hear their name as they walked the auditorium stage to receive their certificates from Edu-Futuro Executive Director, Jorge Figueredo, and our GED Instructor & Workforce Development Specialist, Mildrek Bastidas.
“The success of our students in earning their GED is not just a personal victory, the educational accomplishment is also a testament to the vibrant, diverse future they are building for our communities and the nation’s overall economy,” said Mildrek. “The GED Certification Program continues to significantly empower our community through academic growth. We are very proud to see our students develop comprehensively, strengthening their paths towards a more promising social and economic future for themselves and for their families.”
Edu-Futuro’s GED Certification Program requires a serious commitment from our students, who meet virtually for classes three times per week. In addition, group and individual mentorship sessions are conducted four times each week, including on Saturdays. The recently completed Sciences module focused on Life and Earth Sciences, providing student participants with a better understanding of the evolution of life, the nature that surrounds us, and important aspects of Planet Earth.
Belky Acosta earned her GED certificate while working full-time and also taking care of her five children, aged 5-22. Her determination exemplifies the kind of sacrifices our GED students make to improve their lives and ensure the wellbeing of their families. “Edu-Futuro has been a great support for me as I am a working single mother with five children with many dreams to achieve,” said Belky. “Through the online classes with Edu-Futuro, I received the support and mentorship to prepare for my exams and obtain my official GED certification. It was a great help in balancing my time and studying. Thank you to the entire team who supported me and my classmates.”
“We are extremely proud of the accomplishments of our GED students, especially in light of the many challenges they face in keeping up their studies while working and taking care of their families,” said Edu-Futuro Executive Director, Jorge Figueredo. “Their success represents not only individual achievement, but also Edu-Futuro’s commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education that strengthens entire communities.”
For more information on Edu-Futuro’s GED Program, please contact Joceline Briceño, Edu-Futuro’s Workforce Development Services Team Lead, at workforce@edu-futuro.org.
Línea Directa Wins Two Emmy Awards for Public Service
Edu-Futuro is honored to announce that our public service television series, Línea Directa, won two Emmy awards at the 67th annual Capital Emmys Awards Gala held on the evening of June 21, 2025. On the air since January 1990, the pioneering Línea Directa program was the first local Spanish-language television series broadcast on local Spanish-language television, and after 35 years of outstanding community service, the program continues to provide Latino families across the Washington region with important information on public health, education, legal, and social service issues.
Línea Directa won the show’s first Emmy of the evening in the category of Best Public Affairs Program for a production focusing on the remarkable work of Nueva Vida, a region-wide nonprofit organization providing free, comprehensive services to families affected by cancer. The preventive services of the organization were chronicled by Nestor Bravo, who accompanied Nueva Vida staff and beneficiaries for a full day as they were picked up by the organization’s van in the early morning hours, and were driven to their mammogram and other preventive medical appointments. The program also featured an in-depth interview with Nueva Vida Executive Director, Astrid Jiménez.
Línea Directa’s second Emmy of the evening was awarded in the category of Best Societal Concerns Program (Long Form), for a show focusing on the services offered by the nonprofit organization, Healing Hands Foundation, which coordinates trips to Latin America for volunteer doctors who provide free medical services to disadvantaged children and adults. Andrea Sarralde, who has served as the Host and Associate Producer of Línea Directa for the past 19 years, traveled to Guatemala to document the impact of the work being done by the Foundation. She interviewed co-founder Marco Ávila, as well as some of the patients who received such life-changing services as pediatric and plastic surgery, OB/GYN care and surgery, dental services, cardiology exams, and general adult and pediatric medicine.
“Since the creation of the Línea Directa series way back in 1990, we have focused on helping Latino families improve their daily lives by learning about vital services being offered by local nonprofit organizations and government agencies,” said Eduardo López, Línea Directa Co-Founder and Producer, as well as Edu-Futuro’s Communications & Programs Manager. “When we first started producing Línea Directa, we were proud to feature the work and the staff of then-fledgling organizations like Clínica del Pueblo, Mary’s Center for Maternal & Child Health, and CASA of Maryland. Today, we continue this tradition of service by connecting our families to concrete information about their rights, and about the local organizations working to serve and support our community.”
Línea Direct airs on Saturday mornings, at 11:00 a.m., on Telemundo 44. We invite you to watch out two Emmy award-winning Línea Directa programs. Here are the YouTube links for our show on Nueva Vida and the Healing Hands Foundation. For more information on the show, please contact Eduardo Lopez, Edu-Futuro’s Communications & Programs Manager, at eduardo@edu-futuro.org.
Edu-Futuro Awarded Major Grant from Impact100 DC
We are thrilled to announce that Edu-Futuro has been selected as one of two recipients of a highly competitive $100,000 grant from Impact100 DC, an all-volunteer women’s collective giving organization working to support the work of nonprofits addressing unmet needs in the Washington region, particularly those needs that result from systemic racism and structural inequity. The award ceremony took place on the evening of Wednesday, June 18, 2025, on the rooftop of the Akin Law Firm in Washington, D.C., where Edu-Futuro Executive Director, Jorge Figueredo, proudly accepted the Impact100 DC grant on behalf of our organization. At the event, Jorge was accompanied by Deputy Director, Manuel Piñeros; Manager of Programs, Dulce Oliveros; and Director of Development, Zach Hoskins.
Each year, hundreds of Impact100 DC members contribute at least $1,000, and through a rigorous competitive process, member-led committees select one finalist from each of five Focus Areas: Arts and Culture; Environment; Preservation & Recreation; Education; Family; and Health and Wellness. The entire membership then votes on the winner or winners to receive the prestigious $100,000 Impact Grant, while remaining funds are used to support other finalists through smaller Mission Based Grants.
The Impact100 DC grant represents one of the most competitive funding opportunities in the Washington region. For Edu-Futuro, the journey to the final grant award began in mid-January when the organization submitted a comprehensive application prepared by Executive Director, Jorge E. Figueredo; Director of Development, Zach Hoskins; Communications & Programs Manager, Eduardo López; and Administrative & Finance Manager, Norka Morales O’Hagan. After a thorough three-month review process, Impact100 DC’s Focus Area Committees reached out to semi-finalists to schedule site visits in late April and early May. Following careful evaluation of these site visits, the committees selected five finalists- one from each focus area. At the end of the process, each finalist organization delivered a five-minute video presentation that was recorded on Zoom, and consequently reviewed by the full Impact100 membership before voting on the final recipients. Edu-Futuro was honored to have been selected alongside Free Minds Book Club & Writing Workshop for Incarcerated Youth as one of the two organizations chosen to receive the $100,000 Impact Grant in 2025.
“It was an honor to be selected for this year’s Impact100 DC grant, and it couldn’t have come at a more crucial time for us as an organization,” said our Director of Development, Zach Hoskins. “Thanks to the generosity of the Impact100 DC members, our Emerging Leaders Program will be able to continue thriving into 2026. Most importantly, we will have the capacity to support at least 70 graduating high school seniors from the Class of 2026 through ELP-II — securing a target of $10 million in cumulative scholarships and financial aid for their college educations.”
Edu-Futuro extends our deepest gratitude to the generous members of Impact100 DC for their commitment to educational equity and their investments in our community’s future leaders. This grant represents more than funding, the much-needed support represents a major vote of confidence in our mission, and the potential of our students to create positive change in their communities and beyond.
For more information about the Impact100 DC grant, and Edu-Futuro’s Development Department, please contact, Zach Hoskins, at directorofdevelopment@edu-futuro.org.
AmeriCorps/VISTA Corner – Emmeline Mejía
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 VISTAS and AmeriCorps members. Today we feature AmeriCorps member, Emmeline Mejía.
“Hello! My name is Emmeline Mejía, and I was born and raised in Fairfax County, Virginia. I am a proud first- generation college graduate and the daughter of immigrant parents. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Bridgewater College and recently completed my master’s degree in education at George Mason University. Currently, I serve as a high school teacher at Justice High School, where I work closely with Multilingual Learners. I am deeply passionate about education, equity, and creating opportunities for all students to thrive — especially those from historically underserved communities.
This year, I was honored to be recognized as the Outstanding Secondary New Teacher of the Year for Fairfax County Public Schools. This recognition has been incredibly humbling and only deepened my commitment to serving with integrity and compassion.
At Edu-Futuro, I am part of the Workforce Development Team, where I serve as a Workforce Program Facilitator. In this role, I support parents in local communities by providing classes on technology, resume and cover letter writing, and financial literacy. Our goal is to equip families with the tools and knowledge they need for greater labor opportunities and economic understanding. For me, this work is simply and extension of the classroom as it allows me to continue doing what I love: empowering and educating others.
I approach my work — both in school and in the community — with grace and love, believing that authentic relationships, rooted in kindness and understanding, are essential to lasting impact. It is a joy and privilege to give back to the community that raised me.”
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.
Financial Tip
What things can I negotiate when shopping for a car or auto loan?
When getting an auto loan, negotiating certain terms and features, including interest rates and add-ons, can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. In addition to the price of the vehicle, there are the terms and costs of the auto loan that you may be able to negotiate or control. Together, these amounts can impact your monthly payments and lower your total costs, which could allow you to save a significant amount over the life of the loan.
What auto loan features and add-ons you can negotiate:
Annual Percentage Rate (APR) and interest rate — Getting a lower interest rate and APR means you will pay less to borrow money and the amount you’ll pay over the life of your loan will be lower. Lenders base your interest rate and APR on a number of different factors, but to get the lowest APR and interest rate, compare quotes from multiple lenders before you go into the dealership. For example, getting preapproved by a bank or credit union allows you to show other lenders or your potential dealership the rates you’ve been offered, with the goal of getting competitive offers.
Length of the loan — A shorter loan term, where you make a fewer number of monthly payments, will reduce your loan cost overall. While a longer loan can reduce your monthly payment, you’ll end up paying more interest over the life of your loan. A longer loan also puts you at risk of having negative equity for a longer period of time, meaning you owe more than the vehicle is worth. For example, if you try to sell or trade-in your car before it’s paid off, you’d still owe money on your loan. The risk of negative equity also depends, in part, on the resale value of used vehicles, which can fluctuate.
Prepayment penalty — If you have a prepayment penalty in your loan terms, you’ll be charged a fee or penalty if you were to pay off the loan early. Ask your lender or dealer if your loan has a prepayment penalty, and if so, you can negotiate to have it removed.
Optional add-on products — Add-on products and services are optional. You’re not required to purchase them, but if you choose to, the price is negotiable. This may include physical features such as alarm systems, window tinting, and tire or wheel protection, but it can also include:
- Extended warranties or service contracts
- GAP insurance
- Credit insurance or debt cancellation or suspension products
Keep in mind that if you agree to include add-on features or credit products in your auto loan, it’ll increase both your monthly payments and the total amount you’ll need to borrow and pay back.
Vehicle trade-in value — If you’re looking at trading in your current vehicle, a good first step is to get an approximate value for your trade-in by using online resources, including Consumer Reports, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, and NADA Guides. Again, the market for used vehicles, which can fluctuate, can also impact your trade-in value. Compare the value you’d get at different dealers vs. selling it to another person directly and putting that money towards a down payment on a new car.
If you have an outstanding balance on your vehicle, understand how much more you’ll need to pay in order for your old loan be paid off. A dealer may offer to “roll in” the balance of your old loan, but beware that this adds costs to your new loan.
Additional fees associated with purchasing a vehicle or your loan — This may include fees charged by the dealer, such as preparation fees, origination fees, document fees, delivery charges, and market adjustments or fees that increase the price over MSRP.
What you can’t negotiate — You can’t negotiate taxes, title, or registration fees set by your local and state government. Other factors that affect the amount you’ll borrow:
- Down Payment — The larger the down payment, the less you need to pay back. In fact, increasing your down payment may also decrease your interest rate.
- Manufacturer incentives – Manufacturers offer special deals to advertise certain vehicle models, such as cash rebates or special financing offers, but make sure to read the fine print because these offers may not be available to everyone.
- Car insurance – While auto insurance is separate of your loan, it’s something that should factor into what you’re paying each month for your car. All lenders require that you have insurance, and if you don’t, they may take out “force-placed” insurance, which is more expensive than what you can get on your own.
How to look at your total loan costs vs. monthly payments
Many people think about a loan in terms of their monthly payment. Instead, the total cost of the loan matters. For example, if you reduce your monthly payment by taking out a longer loan, you will pay more in interest over the life of your loan.
Sample loan amount: $20,000. Interest rate: 4.75% (The numbers have been rounded to the nearest dollar).
When thinking about your overall financial costs and monthly expenses, it’s also important to keep in mind the monthly cost of insurance as well as the routine and unexpected.
How to keep track of multiple factors when negotiating — Because there are several factors to keep track of as you’re negotiating the best auto loan for your new car or vehicle, you want to make sure you’re writing down or capturing the key details in order to better compare and negotiate. You may also want to negotiate some of the details separately in order to get the best price. For example, while a dealer may quote you the value of your trade in, you may get a better interest rate and loan terms through a bank or credit union. When talking with any dealer or lender, ask them to provide:
- Trade-in value of your current vehicle (if applicable)
- Interest rate
- Term of the loan
- Estimated monthly payment
It’s important to get these numbers early in the process. The first quote you receive – whether from a dealership or a bank or credit union – may not be the lowest rate you qualify for. When negotiating, you can also ask for a better rate or more favorable terms.
Health & Wellness
New Studies Show Teen Vaping Linked to Serious Lung and Brain Damage
Across the country, schools, parents, and healthcare providers are grappling with an unsettling reality: In addition to fueling nicotine addiction, new evidence shows that the rise of teen vaping is causing serious harm to the lungs and brains of young people.
A study conducted by Dr. Azmy Faisal and researchers at Manchester Metropolitan University in England, and presented on September 9, 2024, at the European Respiratory Society conference in Vienna, showed that adolescents who vaped for two or more years demonstrated significant declines in lung function, reduced exercise capacity, and early signs of airway inflammation — all similar to health outcomes typically observed in teenage cigarette smokers.
Participants also displayed impaired blood vessel function, increased fatigue, and lower oxygen efficiency, especially during physical activity. Most alarmingly, the investigation found that the symptoms were are not isolated to long-term users, but were experienced by teens within a relatively short duration of use.
“These outcomes suggest that damage to respiratory and cardiovascular systems begins earlier than many assume,” said Dr. Lillian Vega, a pediatric pulmonologist who has treated multiple teens with vape-related injuries. “Many young patients are experiencing persistent coughing, breathing difficulties, and noticeable loss in athletic performance.”
Along with Manchester Metropolitan University, both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have also issued multiple warnings about the impact of nicotine on brain development. According to different national studies, nicotine interferes with neural pathways responsible for memory, attention, decision-making, and mood regulation — all functions that are still developing throughout the teenage years.
Research highlighted by the FDA in 2024 confirmed that nicotine use during adolescence can cause lasting alterations in brain structure and function. Teens who vape show increased vulnerability to depression, anxiety, and attention deficits, along with a greater likelihood of substance use later in life. Additional laboratory findings identified harmful chemicals in vape aerosols, including formaldehyde, acrolein, and heavy metals, as contributors to inflammation, DNA damage, and impaired cellular function in both brain and lung tissues. Parents across the country must be acutely aware that these findings point to a growing risk of long-term cognitive problems, respiratory illness, and possibly carcinogenic outcomes.
Action Steps for Families and Schools
To reduce harm and protect youth, families and educators can take immediate steps:
- Initiate early and honest conversations about vaping and its health effects.
- Encourage teens to seek support through counseling, school health centers, or community programs.
- Support policies that restrict flavored products and advertising aimed at young people.
- Stay informed about emerging research and share factual resources with students and caregivers.
Teen vaping now represents one of the most urgent health challenges for adolescents in the United States, and the latest research from both clinical and public health institutions makes the danger unmistakably clear: E-cigarette use among youth is causing measurable harm to lung capacity, cognitive development, and long-term health outcomes.
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.