Newsletter December 25

 Edu-Futuro Students and Parents Celebrate Largest Ever ELP Graduation

On Saturday, December 13, 2025, Edu-Futuro celebrated a landmark event, as more than 350 students and parents gathered at Kenmore Middle School in Arlington, VA, for the largest graduation ever held for our flagship Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) for youth. The occasion marked the successful completion of the Fall session of ELP-I, our six-week college readiness program delivered from late October through early December. This year alone, 265 students participated in ELP-I, engaging in workshops designed to build academic confidence, college knowledge, and leadership skills. Our students also enjoyed a-full day campus visit to the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. The Fall session of ELP-I was implemented across 11 high schools in Fairfax, Prince William, and Arlington counties, reflecting both the growing demand for the program and Edu-Futuro’s expanding reach across Northern Virginia.

Each one of our ELP-I students had the opportunity to hear their name called before walking across the Kenmore auditorium stage to receive their graduation certificates. The ceremony ended with the announcement and presentation of $15,000 in scholarships for the winners of each high school’s essay writing competition. Edu-Futuro was able to award 20 scholarships -- ten for $1,000 and ten for $500. In addition, the winners of the speech competition in each high school received a total of $2,250 in gift cards -- $100 to the first place and $50 to the second-place winners. After the graduation ceremony had been completed, Edu-Futuro families moved to the Kenmore cafeteria for a potluck lunch prepared by the parents of our ELP-I youth. The excellent meal included delicious taquitos, empanadas, pupusas, and many different desserts.

"My favorite workshops are the ones that help you plan a roadmap to college, and guide you through the process of writing a scholarship worthy essay,” said Zara Khan, an ELP-I graduate who is attending George C. Marshall High School. “I would definitely recommend the ELP program to all high school students because the program prepares you for so many things, like essays, interviews, and resumes. Plus, you get free food every workshop!"

The core mission of Edu-Futuro’s ELP-I program is to dissolve existing barriers in the college readiness process by providing students with the tools needed to build confidence, develop professional skills, and graduate from high school. ELP-I is also intended to show students that a college education is a reachable goal, and that with hard work and dedication, all our youth can aspire to a professional career. Currently, ELP-I is offered to youth in grades 9-11 three times per year, in the fall, spring, and summer.

“In the future, our hope is to not only continue serving large numbers of students, but to find ways to make an even deeper impact on an individual level,” said Patrick Edmonson, one of Edu-Futuro’s Youth Programs Specialists. “Things like the essay scholarships and college campus visit can really change the perspective of individual students, and maybe even the trajectory of their life. I definitely feel a sense of accomplishment when events like the graduation come together so successfully. This is a true collaborative effort!”

For more information about 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 grants from Impact100 DC and the Verizon Foundation.

Celebrating our School Partners: Lake Braddock Secondary School

At the ELP-I graduation, one high school stood out for its remarkable level of student engagement -- Lake Braddock Secondary School (LBSS). A total of 52 youth from LBSS crossed the stage, representing the largest contingent from any participating high school and marking a powerful first year of partnership between Lake Braddock and Edu-Futuro.

“I want to recognize Family Liaison, Alejandra Peña-Ulloa, and Systems of Support Advisor, Amy M. Soos, for their invaluable involvement and tremendous support in making this milestone possible,” said Anthony Torrelio, the Edu-Futuro AmeriCorps member who facilitated the ELP-I sessions at LBSS. “They consistently helped strengthen communication, encourage student participation, and ensure families felt welcomed and informed throughout the ELP-I program. Their passion for supporting Lake Braddock students was evident in the way they consistently participated at our sessions -- including joining Lake Braddock students at our ELP-I graduation to celebrate their achievements. We are grateful for this partnership and look forward to continuing this strong relationship in the years ahead.”

Reflecting on why ELP-I resonated so strongly with the Lake Braddock community, Amy Soos shared, “I’m always looking for ways for students to have meaningful experiences for themselves. Lake Braddock is a big school with so many activities, clubs, and sports, but you can’t encapsulate everything. When I heard about the Emerging Leaders Program and how it was described to me, I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, we have to have that at Lake Braddock.’ It appealed to such a diverse group of students, from high-achieving academic students to English learners to those still figuring out what they want from school. That diversity is what made it so inspiring.”

“With 4,300 students, it can be challenging to reach everyone and make sure students are getting what they need,” Soos added. “There are so many options and opportunities -- it’s what I call the ‘Cheesecake Factory effect.’ Edu-Futuro helps put those opportunities out there so students and families can find something that fits them, something they’re interested in, and something they can continue with. I was especially moved to see how many students brought their family members. Our community shows up when families are given the right information and opportunities.”

For Alejandra Peña-Ulloa, the connection to ELP-I was both professional and deeply personal. “I have served as the Family Liaison at Lake Braddock Secondary School since March 2023, where I help families navigate school systems and organize workshops and meetings to support students’ academic success. I first learned about Edu-Futuro through a colleague, but my connection deepened when my own daughter participated in ELP-I,” she shared.

“Seeing firsthand how the program opened her mind made me realize that every parent -- regardless of background -- needs this kind of support to help their children reach goals like college or other postsecondary pathways. I was especially impressed by the career panel session, which provided invaluable real-world perspectives from diverse professionals. Because it truly takes a village, I strongly encourage all students to take advantage of this experienced team of mentors. Thank you, Edu-Futuro, for being such a vital partner to our families and students.”

According to Soos, Peña-Ulloa went above and beyond to recruit participants, personally calling each family whose students she believed could benefit from ELP-I. Thanks to that extraordinary dedication, Lake Braddock not only achieved record-breaking participation, but also brought forward the highest number of students who successfully met all program requirements and earned recognition at the ELP-I graduation.

Volunteer Spotlight: Bolaji “Bo” Ojumu

In order to meet the needs of our community, Edu-Futuro staff depend on the invaluable partnership and support of community members. The unwavering commitment of our volunteers to uplifting the community is essential to our programs. By offering their time, knowledge, and lived experience, volunteers help build capacity and strengthen the long-term sustainability of Edu-Futuro’s work. This is our space to recognize the essential contributions of those volunteers who dedicate their time and expertise for the benefit of others. Today, we highlight the outstanding work of Bolaji “Bo” Ojumu.

Bolaji “Bo” Ojumu, Strategic Growth Consultant and Network Builder, has spent years coaching and consulting with individuals and teams across multiple industries. He teaches clear, simple steps that anyone can follow to cut through the noise, focus on what matters most, and achieve lasting success. From building stronger operations to creating outreach campaigns that connect, Bo provides systems that get the job done. He generously shares his experience with students and professionals alike, inspiring them to grow their networks and build purposeful paths forward with confidence.

“Career development has been a major passion of mine for a long time,” said Bo. “When I set out to look for volunteer opportunities, I was very excited to find Edu-Futuro. Their mission immediately spoke to my desire to focus on less advantaged members of our society. To me, Edu-Futuro is forming a bridge. Having team members who go into the community to help youth prepare for college, and then turning around to help those same individuals prepare for the working world, demonstrates meaningful and coordinated guidance across the learning and development landscape. By connecting with both students and community members, Edu-Futuro is filling gaps that other institutions are unequipped to address.”

“Even as nonprofit funding declined, individual support for our mission grew stronger,” said Edu-Futuro’s Volunteer Coordinator, Mariana Balgurevich. “Because of our volunteers, we strengthened leadership and community engagement, deepened corporate partnerships, reconnected with alumni, empowered young people, and rebuilt our Associate Council of young professional ambassadors. Volunteer dedication makes our work possible, and we are profoundly grateful to Bo for his invaluable contributions to Edu-Futuro’s mission.”

“For anyone looking for a volunteer opportunity, I would say they should put Edu-Futuro at the top of their list,” Bo shared. “The experience was great! From the talented administrative staff to the individuals working on the ground in the community, everyone is driven by the goal of helping people reach their highest potential. The process has been straightforward, and the impact can be felt immediately.”

Edu-Futuro’s Volunteer Program offers opportunities with a variety of time commitments throughout the year. For more information on our upcoming volunteer opportunities please contact Edu-Futuro’s Volunteer Coordinator, Mariana Balgurevich, at volunteer@edu-futuro.org.

Adult Learners Graduate from Alexandria Workforce Programs

On the evening of December 9, 2025, Edu-Futuro’s Workforce Development Services team proudly celebrated the graduation of 54 adult learners who successfully completed a nine-week training course at the Mark Center in Alexandria. The event recognized participants from our Digital Skills for Life program, which includes computer/smartphone literacy, as well as workshops on writing professional résumés and cover letters.

The milestone graduation was made possible through Edu-Futuro’s partnership with the Alexandria City Workforce Development Center, which played a crucial role in both outreach and community connection. Edu-Futuro extends a special appreciation to Mr. Michael D. Briscoe, whose support ensured that our programs reached individuals in search of meaningful workforce opportunities. Mr. Briscoe received special recognition at the graduation event for his unwavering assistance, and for providing the space needed to host the workforce sessions.

“The reason I participated in the Digital Skills for Life program was that I needed to update my skills in the digital world,” said participant Erica Copa. “After I left my job, I felt that I was missing something in order to re-enter the workforce with the necessary tools, and I stayed until the end because the classes offered me everything I needed and more. Now I understand the importance of having a Gmail or Google account and how to write an email correctly. The proper use of AI, among other topics, was very interesting, and now I use it regularly. The program helped me grow immensely as a person and connect with resources available in the community -- so much so that I was finally able to secure a job that will help me grow professionally at Inova as a patient registration float pool team member.”

“I would like everyone I know, and my community, to be able to take these classes -- especially parents from schools in the West End of Alexandria,” Copa added. “I am immensely grateful to my teacher, Jorge Manzaneda, because he was my personal guide and provided invaluable advice throughout the digital technology classes.”

“For our Workforce Development team, serving this many people over a nine-week period was a major milestone that required immense commitment, and seeing them all graduate is a moment of pure joy,” said Joceline Briceño, Workforce Development Team Lead. “The graduation is especially moving because it celebrates the resilience of individuals determined to improve their quality of life. For many participants, this was the first time they had ever received a certificate of graduation. Seeing the excitement on their faces as they reached this milestone -- one that many once thought was out of reach -- reinforces why this work is so essential. It is a recognition of their effort, their growth, and their future potential.”

Looking ahead, Edu-Futuro is preparing to launch its next Workforce Development cohort in Spring 2026. Joceline and her team of Workforce Specialists remain committed to expanding access for adults ready to invest in professional growth and move toward long-term financial stability. For more information, please contact Alexandria Workforce Development Specialist Jorge Manzaneda at workforcespecialist@edu-futuro.org, or Joceline Briceño, Edu-Futuro’s Workforce Development Team Lead, at workforce@edu-futuro.org.

Save the Date: Edu-Futuro’s 28th Anniversary Gala Set for March 20, 2026

Save the date for Friday, March 20, 2026, for Edu-Futuro’s 28th Anniversary Gala! We cordially invite you to join us for a night of unity as we gather with friends to recognize the courage, resilience, and determination of the nearly 5,000 students and parents we are privileged to serve each year throughout Northern Virginia. The highlights of the Anniversary Gala have always been the inspiring testimonies shared by youth from our Emerging Leaders Program, as well as by Edu-Futuro parents who have overcome the many challenges facing our community in order to improve the lives of their families.

We will also honor the education leaders, corporate partners, donors, and volunteers who share our commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty through the power of education. Like last year, the Gala will be held at the Falls Church Marriott Fairview Park, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. After the main program, live music will take over and guests will have the opportunity to dance until midnight.

The Anniversary Gala brings together some of Edu-Futuro’s strongest partners, including funders, elected officials, and administrators representing our local school systems. The evening is also one of our most important fundraising events of the year, generating much-needed support for our student and parent programs. There are several ways for you to contribute to Edu-Futuro through the Gala:

• Reserve a table -- bring your network!
• Purchase a ticket -- bring a friend!
• Participate in the silent auction

In addition to purchasing tickets to the Gala dinner, you can also support Edu-Futuro by purchasing space in our event program to promote your organization, or by submitting a 100-character message celebrating Edu-Futuro’s mission. Finally, if you would like to become a Gala sponsor, or know of an organization that might like to become a contributor, please email our Director of Development, Zachary Hoskins, at directorofdevelopment@edu-futuro.org.

AmeriCorps/VISTA Corner: Kaitlin Mays-Kinsella

This year, Edu-Futuro continues to receive invaluable support from both AmeriCorps State and AmeriCorps VISTA members. Our cohort of AmeriCorps State members plays 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). Meanwhile, our AmeriCorps VISTA members work on a variety of key capacity-building projects, including updating our beneficiary database and developing new curricula for students and parents. This is our space to highlight the outstanding work being done by Edu-Futuro’s AmeriCorps members. Today, we feature AmeriCorps VISTA member Kaitlin Mays-Kinsella.

“Hi! I am Kaitlin Mays-Kinsella, and I am the VISTA Grant Research Specialist. I have been with Edu-Futuro as a VISTA for almost two years. I received my Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and my Master of Arts in Holocaust and Genocide Studies from Kean University. I have worked in development for five years as a Development Associate, Corporate Relations Manager, Manager of Grants and Foundational Giving, and now as the VISTA Grant Research Specialist. I love working for nonprofits. It can be challenging at times, but it is extremely rewarding to be able to make a difference in someone’s life.”

“As the VISTA Grant Research Specialist, I am responsible for researching new grant opportunities to fund new and existing programs at Edu-Futuro. I work closely with Zachary Hoskins, Edu-Futuro’s Director of Development, to draft grant applications and assist with fundraising projects. One of my assignments involved brainstorming ways to diversify revenue streams for the organization. For example, I organized a third-party fundraising event at Panera Bread on December 20, 2025. This was the first time I was involved in organizing a fundraising event, and I had a great time. It was rewarding to get out into the community to spread awareness about Edu-Futuro and help raise money for our programs.”

“One of the reasons I applied for this position is because I grew up in Northern Virginia and have always admired the diversity of the region. Edu-Futuro serves the community in which I grew up, and it felt like an immediate opportunity to give back to the place that shaped who I am today. Being able to serve through AmeriCorps allows me to support underserved communities that are building their lives here. This position enables me to use my professional skills to help secure resources that directly impact students and families in my own community. It’s incredibly meaningful to create opportunities for others in the place I call home.”

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 Joy Harvey, AmeriCorps Programs Coordinator, at americorps@edu-futuro.org.

Financial Tip | When the Game Stops Being Fun: Understanding the Rise of Sports Gambling

Across Northern Virginia and the nation, families are increasingly expressing concern about the rapid growth of sports gambling and its impact on both adults and young people. What was once a casual pastime for some has become a constant presence — woven into television broadcasts, radio shows, podcasts, and even social media feeds. For many households, the shift has been subtle but deeply unsettling, especially as the stakes move from friendly banter to serious financial stress.

Today, it is nearly impossible to watch or listen to sports coverage without encountering betting promotions. Sports talk television and radio programs are routinely sponsored by gambling companies, with hosts discussing odds, spreads, and “live bets” alongside game analysis. Betting apps advertise bonuses and free wagers during commercial breaks, halftime shows, and post-game recaps. This saturation has normalized gambling in ways that were unimaginable just a decade ago.

Research confirms how quickly sports betting activity has grown. A recent JAMA study found that total sports wagers in the United States surged from about $4.9 billion in 2017 to over $121 billion in 2023, with the vast majority of bets placed online. This explosive growth has been driven in large part by expanded legality, mobile access, and aggressive marketing across media platforms.

For families, this normalization can make it difficult to recognize when gambling crosses from entertainment into a problem. Sports gambling often feels less risky because it is tied to teams people already follow and games they already watch. Placing a bet can feel like an extension of fandom rather than a financial decision. But experts warn that this perception masks real dangers.

Warning signs are not limited to financial losses but extend to day-to-day well-being. In two 2024 studies from the financial technology company, Nasdaq, Inc., researchers studying the economic impact of legalized sports gambling found that, in states with broad online betting access, bankruptcy filings, credit card collections, and debt consolidation loans rose significantly compared with states without such access. For example, in the four-year window following legalization of online sports betting, the Nasdaq team estimated that in states without this easy access to betting, bankruptcy filings increased modestly, but in states with online sports betting, bankruptcy filings surged by over 25% across the same period.

Families who are concerned about a loved one may notice warning signs that are easy to overlook at first. These can include frequent discussions about bets or odds, emotional highs after wins and sharp frustration after losses, secrecy around phone use or finances, or attempts to recover losses by placing additional bets. Over time, these behaviors can contribute to financial strain, anxiety, and conflict within households.

What makes sports gambling particularly challenging is that losses are rarely visible in advertising. Promotions highlight winners, not debt; bonuses obscure the mathematics of odds. Media coverage often treats betting as entertainment rather than as a potential public health issue. As a result, individuals may struggle silently, and families may hesitate to raise concerns out of fear of overreacting.

Consumer protection experts stress that gambling problems are not a personal failure but often the result of constant exposure and systems designed to encourage continued play. Early conversations -- focused on care rather than blame -- can make a meaningful difference. Families are encouraged to talk openly about finances, set boundaries around gambling apps, and seek guidance when something feels wrong.

Education and awareness are key tools. Understanding how gambling companies market their products helps families recognize why resisting can be difficult. Knowing the signs of problem gambling can empower loved ones to intervene early, before serious harm occurs. Just as importantly, families should know that help is available and confidential.

If you are concerned that someone you care about may be affected by sports gambling -- whether sports betting, online wagering, or casino games -- support is available at no cost. The National Problem Gambling Helpline offers confidential assistance, referrals, and information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in multiple languages.

📞 Call 1-800-522-4700
🌐 Visit www.ncpgambling.org

Sports are meant to bring people together, build community, and offer moments of joy and connection. By staying informed and paying attention to the subtle ways gambling has become embedded in sports culture, families can help protect their loved ones and ensure that the game never becomes more important than the well-being of the audience.

Health & Wellness | Hidden Threat: Teen Nicotine Use is Still a Major Concern

Despite years of public health effort and widespread awareness campaigns, tobacco and nicotine products remain a serious threat to adolescents’ health. A January 2025 report from Truth Initiative, Monitoring a Changing Tobacco Product Market in the United States, shows that the nicotine landscape has shifted dramatically in recent years -- with youth-appealing products proliferating in flavors, marketing, and accessibility.

The report from the Truth Initiative, which analyzes retail sales data and youth survey data from the Tobacco Epidemic Evaluation Network (TEEN+) Study, reveals several concerning trends. Products like disposable e-cigarettes, especially flavored varieties, dominate the market, accounting for a striking majority of what is available to young people. In fact, over 93% of e-cigarette products sold in late 2024 were disposable devices, a category that is both inexpensive and widely accessible. The report also found that nicotine pouch sales nearly tripled between 2022 and 2024, with most of these products offering youth-friendly flavors.
Perhaps most troubling is the data on actual use patterns. Although youth e-cigarette use peaked in 2019, recent waves of the TEEN+ survey confirm that young people continue to use nicotine products at alarming rates, with many users reporting frequent, daily use -- a hallmark of addiction. Nearly all adolescents and young adults who use these products prefer flavored versions that make initiation easier and consequences feel distant.

What makes this trend particularly disheartening is that nicotine is not a benign substance for developing brains. Adolescents’ brains are still maturing, especially regions involved in attention, memory, and impulse control, and nicotine exposure can interfere with their development. Nicotine addiction also increases the likelihood of future tobacco use, which in turn contributes to a host of chronic diseases, including heart disease, lung disease, and cancer.

Compounding the problem is the aggressive way the tobacco and nicotine industry markets these products. The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids recently highlighted how flavored, high-nicotine products are being positioned to appeal specifically to youth. In a press release discussing industry tactics, Yolonda C. Richardson, president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, warned: “The vast availability of these products threatens the enormous progress the U.S. has made in reducing youth use of tobacco products and underscores why policymakers cannot let up in implementing proven strategies to protect kids. It is especially critical that Congress reverse the current Administration’s decision to eliminate the CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health, which has played a vital role in reducing youth tobacco use and supports tobacco prevention efforts in every state.”

Flavored products act as a “gateway” for many adolescents. Flavors such as fruit, candy, and dessert mask the harshness of nicotine and make experimentation more likely. The marketing of these products, often featuring bright packaging, social media influence, and youth-oriented imagery, further normalizes vaping and nicotine use for teens. Youth who might never have smoked traditional cigarettes are now experimenting with e-cigarettes and pouches because the experience feels safer, cooler, or more socially acceptable.

Parents, caregivers, and educators have an important role to play in reversing these trends. Open communication with young people about nicotine risks is critical. Parents should also be familiar with the products themselves, including vapes, flavored nicotine pouches, and other “emerging” tobacco items, and to understand that youth may not view these as traditional tobacco products, even when they contain nicotine.

Families concerned about an adolescent’s nicotine or tobacco use should know that trusted, science-based resources are available. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers clear, youth-focused information on the risks of tobacco and nicotine at www.cdc.gov/tobacco/youth, including guidance for parents and caregivers. Additional research, prevention tools, and quitting resources can be found through Truth Initiative at www.truthinitiative.org, while policy updates and advocacy information are available from the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids at www.tobaccofreekids.org. By staying informed, engaging in supportive conversations, and connecting young people to reliable resources, families and communities can help protect adolescents from nicotine addiction and support healthier futures.

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.