Table of Contents
Edu-Futuro Holds Fall Kickoff for ELP-I College Readiness Program
Edu-Futuro Introduces Circles of Empowerment: A New Way to Support Our Mission
Edu-Futuro Holds 7th Annual Youth Soccer Tournament
Celebrating Our School Partners:Piedad Dwyer - - Family Liaison
Edu-Futuro’s STEM Robotics Program Starts New Year for Middle School Youth
AmeriCorps/VISTA Corner: Sophie Buibas
Scholarships and the Spirit of Thanksgiving
Financial Tip: Protecting Older Adults from Today’s Fastest-Growing Scams
Health & Wellness:
Youth Vaping Crisis: Top Brands Putting Teens at Risk
Edu-Futuro Holds Fall Kickoff for ELP-I College Readiness Program
Energy filled the halls of John R. Lewis High School in Fairfax County on the morning of Saturday, October 25, as more than 150 students and parents arrived for the official launch of ELP-I, the largest and most popular phase of Edu-Futuro’s flagship Emerging Leaders Program (ELP).
ELP is a multi-year pathway that guides Northern Virginia youth from middle school through college, building the academic and leadership skills they need for long-term success. ELP-I is where that journey truly begins: a six-week series of college readiness workshops that set students firmly on the path to high school graduation and postsecondary enrollment. Offered three times each year, ELP-I always begins with our signature Kickoff event, where students and parents meet the Edu-Futuro team and the AmeriCorps members who will guide them through the program workshops.
“Being a part of ELP-I as an AmeriCorps member and program facilitator feels like a satisfying full-circle moment. I am able to help students in ways I wish I could have been helped, promoting their own self-confidence and desires to pursue higher education,” said Dalila Puga-Sosa, a former ELP student and current Edu-Futuro AmeriCorps member. “I want to take any chance I can to inspire students to chase their own dreams, and be the person I wish I had -- a mentor, a friend, and a role model. The Kickoff was a great start to the season, and though most of the students were shy at the beginning, they were all having fun by the end of the day.”
During the ELP-I Kickoff, students were divided into four rotating groups, each engaging in a learning activity led by Edu-Futuro staff and AmeriCorps members. The interactive exercises were meant to serve as "icebreakers," as well as to spark critical thinking and collaboration among the participants. Parents also gathered for their own informative session to better understand how ELP-I reinforces student growth. By the end of the workshop, the energized parents had a clearer idea of the concrete actions they could take -- inside and outside the home -- to support their children's path to educational success. The day concluded with a group photo and lunch to thank the students and parents for taking the time to attend our ELP-I Kickoff, and for becoming part of the Edu-Futuro family.
“Our ELP-I Kickoff events are always one of the most special days of the year for everyone at Edu-Futuro,” said Executive Director, Jorge Figueredo. “For one, we are very grateful to all the families for choosing to spend most of their free Saturday focused on the college education and the future wellbeing of their children. However, during these difficult times for immigrant families, we are also extremely proud of the strength and resilience demonstrated by our community. The COVID pandemic showed the entire country just how important immigrant workers are to the health of the U.S. economy, and at Edu-Futuro, we have the privilege of seeing how the considerable contributions of our students and parents serve to improve the daily lives of people across the Commonwealth of Virginia.”
We encourage anyone interested in joining the ELP program to contact our staff about upcoming ELP-I sessions in the winter and spring. For more information on ELP, please contact Susana Carpio, our 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.
Edu-Futuro Introduces Circles of Empowerment: A New Way to Support Our Mission
On the evening of Thursday, October 9, Edu-Futuro welcomed both old and new friends to the home of our Board member, Jessica Springsteen, for an intimate gathering celebrating the launch of the Circles of Empowerment, our first-ever formal giving circles program for individual donors.
Through the Circles of Empowerment, friends of Edu-Futuro can commit gifts of $1,000 or more to support our mission to empower underserved youth and families in Northern Virginia. In return, they will be acknowledged on our website and annual gala program, and both they and their guests will be invited to join us at exclusive quarterly receptions like the one we held at Jessica’s home last month – with additional benefits as gift levels increase.
Guests at the Circles launch event experienced a magical early autumn evening of conversation and connection, with impactful testimonials from alumni whose lives have been changed by Edu-Futuro’s work: including Eric Pleitez (Emerging Leaders Program Class of 2019 graduate, who went on to attend the George Washington University and is now a finance consultant in Washington, DC), Amy Fernandez Garcia (Emerging Leaders Program Class of 2025 graduate, now a freshman at George Mason University), and Coral Pèrez Guzmán (a graduate of our inaugural GED Certification program cohort, who after earning her credentials is now a member of the AmeriCorps team serving right here at Edu-Futuro!).
Thanks to the generous contributions of both long-time and new supporters, the Circles of Empowerment have already helped us raise more than $46,000 toward our year-end campaign. We look forward to welcoming more friends with future events in the new year.
“Our first formal individual giving event was a great success and a fun evening for everyone involved,” said Director of Development, Zach Hoskins. “As representatives of an organization that has historically relied mostly on grants for our revenue, it was touching to be able to meet face to face with some of the generous individuals who support the work we’re doing – and to meet some new friends who we hope will stay engaged with us moving forward. These are challenging times both for Edu-Futuro and for the nonprofit sector as a whole, and I sincerely believe it’s through these kinds of personal connections that we can make it through stronger and more resilient than ever.”
For more information on the Circles of Empowerment, please contact Zach Hoskins, Director of Development, at directorofdevelopment@edu-futuro.org. If you’d like to donate to Edu-Futuro, but aren’t ready to consider a gift of $1,000 or more, visit our Giving Tuesday campaign page on Give Local Together – now open for early giving! All contributions to this campaign up to $10,000 will be matched 1:1 thanks to the generosity of the Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation.
Edu-Futuro Holds 7th Annual Youth Soccer Tournament
On Saturday, October 18, Edu-Futuro welcomed more than 130 youth, parents, volunteers, and guests to the beautiful green fields of Washington-Liberty High School in Arlington for our 7th Annual Soccer Tournament. During a bright and sunny day, eight participating teams played a series of round robin elimination matches in a tight competition for the coveted Edu-Futuro Cup. In addition to the soccer matches, the families cheering on the players had the opportunity to enjoy activities for children, raffles, and great food from various concession stands.
“Once again, the soccer tournament was a success, and we are extremely grateful to everyone who attended and supported the event,” said Edu-Futuro’s Volunteer Coordinator, Mariana Balgurevich, who coordinated the tournament. “We would like to give special thanks to the Arlington County Sheriff Office for being a repeat volunteer organization, and for distributing free cups, frisbees, and tote bags to the Soccer Tournament attendees. This year, we were also joined by the Arlington County Fire Department as a new volunteer organization. Members of the Department gave demonstrations on how to put out a fire safely, and distributed free fire fighter hats to the children. My hope is that next year we can have all our families together, cheering for the teams and enjoying another beautiful day of soccer.”
Edu-Futuro’s 7th Annual Soccer Tournament could not have been possible without the generous contributions of our event sponsors: Arlington Community Federal Credit Union, Luncheras DiSi, Deloitte, and Clifford Chance. On behalf of all of us at Edu-Futuro, we are profoundly grateful for your sponsorship and support!
For the second year in a row, the winner of the Edu-Futuro Cup was the team, EnFuego FC, who bested our other participating teams: 67ers, Chili Dog FC, Redeemed (Luncheras DiSi), ACFCU Spartans, Deloitte, Red Bull, and La Selección. For more information on our annual soccer tournament, please contact Edu-Futuro’s Volunteer Coordinator, Mariana Balgurevich, at volunteer@edu-futuro.org.
Celebrating Our School Partners: Piedad Dwyer -- Family Liaison
In order to better serve our students and parents, Edu-Futuro staff depend on the invaluable partnership and support of Family Liaison Representatives, as well as teachers, counselors, and administrators at every one of our partner schools in Fairfax, Prince William, Arlington, and the City of Alexandria. These dedicated professionals serve as vital bridges between Edu-Futuro and their school communities, helping us connect with students and families who can most benefit from our programs. This is our space to recognize the essential contributions of our school partners, and today, we highlight the outstanding work of Piedad Dwyer, Family Liaison at Providence Elementary School in Fairfax County.
“For more than five years, Piedad has been an invaluable partner to Edu-Futuro, consistently strengthening our connection to families at Providence Elementary School,” said Natalie Gutiérrez, Edu-Futuro’s Parent Support Team Lead. “As Family Liaison, she advocates effectively for our Parent Empowerment Services (PES) workshops, and always ensures that programs at her school are organized, well-attended, and deeply meaningful for participating families. Piedad plays an instrumental role in outreach, motivation, and parent retention -- welcoming families at the door, reaching out personally to those who need our programs, and creating a warm, supportive environment with thoughtful touches such as food, snacks, and materials for children. Her commitment, care, and collaboration make her an exceptional partner, and we are grateful for the vital role she plays in helping Edu-Futuro families to learn and thrive.”
Piedad has served the students and parents of Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) for more than seven years, and in addition to her duties at Providence, she also supports families at Terra Centre Elementary School. Born in Colombia, Piedad now lives in Fairfax with her husband and three daughters. In her FCPS bio, Piedad shares that she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, and watching her daughters play soccer.
“The Edu-Futuro parent engagement classes have helped build stronger relationships between parents and the school,” said Piedad. “Parents have learned how to support their children’s education and communicate better with teachers and staff. They now feel more confident attending school events, meetings, and workshops. This has led to more family involvement, which creates a more supportive environment for students. The school has benefited from having more engaged parents who volunteer and participate in decision-making.
“The Edu-Futuro classes have also taught the parents leadership skills, which they now use to help other families. Now, more parents understand how the school system works, which means that they can better advocate for their children. Overall, the programs have created a stronger, more connected school community. Thank you Edu-Futuro for all these wonderful programs.”
For more information on Edu-Futuro’s Parent Empowerment Services (PES), please contact Natalie Gutiérrez, Parent Support Team Lead, at adultprograms@edu-futuro.org.
Edu-Futuro’s STEM Robotics Program Starts New Year for Middle School Youth
During the week of October 13, students at Gunston and Kenmore Middle Schools in Arlington, and Hayfield Secondary School in Fairfax began their annual sessions of Edu-Futuro’s ELP STEM Robotics program. During the 2025-2026 school year, more than 140 students will be joining the program, which introduces participants to the basics of robotics -- how robots are built, programmed, and used to solve problems in the real world. The aim is to inspire teamwork, grow interest in science and technology among students of all experience levels, and foster healthy teamwork and collaboration.
During the first ELP STEM Robotics sessions, students learn to assemble their robots and experiment writing basic code. Some participants are new to robotics, while others have prior experience working with STEM challenges.
"Introducing students to this kind of program at a younger age can get them thinking about their interests for their futures, and potentially careers in STEM,” said Jocelyn Chu, Edu-Futuro’s AmeriCorps robotics instructor. “Students from all backgrounds get to work together to build their robots and learn the fundamentals of coding. I'm looking forward to ramping up our capacity and school outreach, so more students realize this opportunity is available to them."
As the robotics program continues, our ELP STEM Robotics students will work as teams to learn new coding, engineering, and critical thinking skills while building their individual robots. The lessons learned during their weekly sessions will ultimately lead to a final tournament among the participating schools.
“My hope for the Robotics program is to empower students by strengthening their confidence in STEM knowledge and skills,” said Edu-Futuro’s Youth Programs Team Lead, Susana Carpio. “Through hands-on activities, we aim to help students develop critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. We want participants to see how staying engaged academically -- especially in STEM fields -- can open doors to future education and career opportunities. One of the best things about our program is seeing students come to class eager to start building or coding their robots. Even after a long day at school, they are genuinely excited and engaged. It’s always surprising and heartwarming to see their enthusiasm and creativity in action.”
For more information on Edu-Futuro’s ELP STEM Robotics and other Youth Programs, please contact Susana Carpio, our Youth Programs Team Lead, at youthprograms@edu-futuro.org. Edu-Futuro’s ELP STEM Robotics is supported in part by grants from the Verizon Foundation and Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation.
AmeriCorps/VISTA Corner: Sophie Buibas
This year, Edu-Futuro continues to receive the invaluable help of both AmeriCorps State and 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). Meanwhile, our AmeriCorps VISTA members work in a variety of key capacity building projects, including the updating of our beneficiary database 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 AmeriCorps members. Today, we feature AmeriCorps State member, Sophie Buibas.
“Hello! My name is Sophie Buibas. I am originally from San Diego, California. I moved to Washington, D.C. in 2023 to attend George Washington University, where I study International Affairs, as well as Spanish and Latin American Languages, Literatures, and Cultures. Coming from a family of immigrants, and being the first person in my family to be born in the United States, uplifting and working with immigrant communities is something incredibly important to me. My love for serving my local community, connecting with immigrant families, and using my Spanish skills led me to work for Edu-Futuro as an AmeriCorps Facilitator.
"At the organization, I am a part of the Workforce Development Services (WDS) and Emerging Leaders Program (ELP). With WDS, I co-facilitate our Tech for Parents classes in Arlington and Alexandria, helping teach digital skills to local parents in order to expand their employment opportunities. With ELP, I serve as a mentor for the ELP-II program, assisting high school seniors in Arlington and Fairfax County in the college application process, providing essay support, and identifying scholarship opportunities. I am extremely grateful that I get to do this work with Edu-Futuro and AmeriCorps. It is amazing to see the change that I am bringing about in the lives of others while I get to grow my own skills.”
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.
Scholarships and the Spirit of Thanksgiving
The Thanksgiving season gives all of us the opportunity to look at our community with both gratitude and purpose. This moment invites everyone -- neighbors, families, and friends -- to stand together in support of the next generation of leaders. At Edu-Futuro, we witness every day how a single opportunity can transform a young person’s life, and the season of Thanksgiving strengthens our commitment to expanding those opportunities for the students we are privileged to serve. As you reflect on the many blessings that define this time of year, we warmly invite you to join us by contributing to the special Edu-Futuro scholarship competitions available to support their journey.
Essay Competition — Students in every high school where the ELP program operates write essays on specific topics designed to mirror a key component of the college application process. All essays are evaluated by Edu-Futuro volunteers and mentors, and in each school, two students are selected as first- and second-place winners. The winning entries are announced during the ELP-I graduation ceremony, and scholarship awards are distributed at the beginning of each student’s second semester of college. Each year, the ELP-I Essay Competition provides nearly $50,000 in support, giving our participants valuable college-application practice while encouraging their pursuit of higher education.
Speech Competition — Students in every high school where the ELP program is based also prepare and deliver a speech on a topic selected by our ELP-I facilitators. In each school, the first-place winner receives a $100 gift card, and the second-place winner receives a $50 gift card. Each year, Edu-Futuro distributes more than $5,000 in gift-card awards through the Speech Competition, which helps prepare students for the public speaking experiences they will encounter in college and throughout their careers.
How to Support Our Scholarships
- Make a donation by visiting our Giving Tuesday campaign page on Give Local Together – now open for early giving! All contributions to this campaign up to $10,000 will be matched 1:1 thanks to the generosity of the Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation.
- Volunteer as a Scholarship Judge! Judges read and evaluate student essays using provided rubrics and help select the winning entries at our ELP high schools.
- Spread the word! Sharing Edu-Futuro’s mission through your social media networks expands our reach and strengthens our support system.
For more information on how to contribute to Edu-Futuro’s ELP Programs, please contact Zach Hoskins, Director of Development, at directorofdevelopment@edu-futuro.org.
Financial Tip: Protecting Older Adults from Today’s Fastest-Growing Scams
Across the country, older adults are increasingly targeted by scammers who use sophisticated tricks to steal savings, personal information, and even identities. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), older adults report significant financial losses every year, often because criminals specifically tailor their schemes to exploit their trust, routines, or unfamiliarity with rapidly changing technology. Understanding these scams -- and knowing how to spot early warning signs -- can help protect our parents, grandparents, and older neighbors from devastating financial harm.
Why Older Adults Are Targeted
Scammers often view older adults as prime targets. Many retirees have stable savings, pensions, or home equity. In addition, older adults may be more likely to answer phone calls from unfamiliar numbers or trust official-sounding messages. Criminals also know that some seniors may be less familiar with online security practices, making them vulnerable to digital tricks that younger generations may recognize more quickly. But no one is immune. Scams are highly professionalized operations. Criminals rehearse scripts, design realistic websites, and even create fake caller IDs to impersonate government agencies or well-known companies. The good news is that with awareness, families and communities can help prevent these crimes before any money is lost.
The Most Common Scams Targeting Older Adults
The FTC highlights several types of scams that disproportionately affect older Americans:
1. Impersonation Scams
These are among the most damaging and most common. Scammers pretend to be a government agency (such as the Social Security Administration or IRS), a bank, or even a family member in distress. They may claim a Social Security number has been suspended, taxes are overdue, or a loved one has been arrested and needs bail money. Their goal is to cause enough panic that the victim sends money immediately. Red flag: Any caller who pressures you to act right away -- especially if they ask for payments through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
2. Tech-Support Scams
Tech-support scams often begin with a pop-up warning on a computer or phone that claims a virus has been detected. Others involve unsolicited calls from people pretending to be from Microsoft, Apple, or another major company. They may request remote access to the device or ask for payment to “fix” a non-existent problem. Red flag: No legitimate tech company will call you out of the blue or demand remote access to your computer.
3. Prize, Lottery, and Sweepstakes Scams
Victims are told they’ve won a prize, but must pay fees or taxes before receiving it. Once payment is sent, the scammer disappears -- and no prize ever arrives. Red flag: If you must pay to get a prize, it’s not real.
4. Romance and Friendship Scams
These scams often begin on social media or dating sites. Scammers develop emotional connections and then invent emergencies that require financial help. Lonely or isolated older adults are especially vulnerable. Red flag: Anyone you’ve never met in person who repeatedly asks for financial assistance.
How Families and Communities Can Help
Education is the strongest defense. Here are key steps older adults and their families can take:
- Talk openly about scams. Many victims remain silent out of embarrassment. Regular conversations help reduce stigma and increase vigilance.
- Encourage skepticism of unsolicited calls. Let unknown numbers go to voicemail. Government agencies will never demand money by phone.
- Help check suspicious messages. A quick call to a family member, bank, or agency can prevent irreversible losses.
- Use strong security practices. This includes updating devices, enabling two-factor authentication, and keeping personal information private.
Where to Report Scams
Anyone who encounters a scam -- whether money was lost or not -- should report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Reporting helps law enforcement track patterns, shut down criminal operations, and prevent more people from being harmed.
Strengthening Protection Through Awareness
Older adults deserve safety, dignity, and peace of mind. By learning the warning signs and sharing this information with loved ones, our community can build a strong defense against the criminals who target some of our most vulnerable neighbors. Awareness saves money, but more importantly, knowledge protects the independence and well-being of the people who have spent a lifetime contributing to our families and communities.
Health & Wellness:
Youth Vaping Crisis: Top Brands Putting Teens at Risk
Walk into almost any convenience store today and you’ll find shelves filled with brightly colored disposable vapes and sleek nicotine devices. While some adults may overlook them, teens and young adults know these products all too well. According to a recent CDC-supported report, Monitoring Tobacco Product Use Among Youth and Young Adults (Issue 1, 2025), the top e-cigarette brands sold in the United States are the same brands most commonly used by youth.
In fact, just five brands -- Vuse, JUUL, Geek Bar Pulse, Breeze Smoke, and Raz --account for 73% of all e-cigarette dollar sales nationwide. This overlap between top sellers and youth favorites offers a sobering view of how deeply the vaping industry has penetrated teen culture in the U.S.
The Brands Kids Know Best Are the Ones Dominating Sales
The report highlights a critical point: youth vaping is driven not by hundreds of small or obscure brands, but by a small group of major players that dominate the convenience-store market. The five leading brands are:
- Vuse -- Nationwide availability and high nicotine levels make it one of the most popular brands.
- JUUL -- Despite increased scrutiny and regulations, this brand remains well-known among teens.
- Geek Bar Pulse -- A flashy disposable product with flavors and packaging that strongly appeals to young people.
- Breeze Smoke -- Offers sweet, fruit-forward flavors frequently chosen by teens.
- Raz -- Another disposable with high nicotine content and colorful designs.
The fact that these same brands make up nearly three-quarters of national sales demonstrates how closely youth preferences mirror overall market patterns.
Why This Matters for Families and Schools
E-cigarette companies often insist their products are intended for adults. Yet the alignment between their most successful brands and those used by adolescents raises serious concerns about marketing strategies, product design, and accessibility. For immigrant and first-generation families, many of whom may be unfamiliar with vaping devices, the risks are even greater. Parents may not recognize these products or understand how addictive they are. Three issues make youth vaping especially dangerous:
- Nicotine harms the adolescent brain.
Teens become addicted more quickly, and long-term nicotine use is linked to anxiety, attention problems, and mood disorders. - Flavored disposables mask the presence of nicotine.
Brands like Geek Bar Pulse and Breeze Smoke offer fruit or dessert flavors that make vaping seem harmless. - Products are small, discreet, and easy to hide.
Many look like USB sticks, highlighters, or pens, making them difficult for parents and teachers to detect.
This combination of clever product design, widespread availability, and targeted youth appeal has created a perfect storm for rising nicotine dependence among teens.
What the Data Tells Us
The CDC’s findings reinforce one essential point: to protect youth, we must understand the specific products they are using. Public-health experts emphasize the need for:
- Education that teaches teens to recognize products by name.
- Parent workshops in multiple languages.
- Policies that limit flavored disposables -- currently the most popular products among youth.
Protecting the Future of Our Youth
The vaping epidemic is not driven by mystery products. This health crisis is fueled by a small group of powerful, heavily marketed brands that teens recognize immediately. By understanding the role these products play, families, schools, and community organizations can work together to protect youth from an addiction that threatens their health, their education, and their future.
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.