Table of Contents
Edu-Futuro’s Chronic Absenteeism Program Begins Another Year in Fairfax and Arlington
Changing Lives Through Education: Two Edu-Futuro GED Testimonies
Edu-Futuro Encourages Civic Engagement For November Elections in Virginia
Edu-Futuro Community Corner: Celebrating Our School Partners
AmeriCorps/VISTA Corner – Berta Salinas
AmeriCorps In Action: Prepared Together Community Event
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with Colada Shop Cuban Café
Edu-Futuro’s Chronic Absenteeism Program Begins Another Year in Fairfax and Arlington
With the start of the 2025–2026 academic year, Edu-Futuro is proud to announce that our Chronic Absenteeism Program (CAP) has begun its fifth year of service in partnership with Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), and its second year of service in partnership with Arlington Public Schools (APS). Launched in 2021 due to the sharp increase in absenteeism among English Learner and Latino students after the return to school from remote learning, the mission of CAP is to engage students and families, identify the reasons for absenteeism, return youth to the classroom, and most importantly, prevent students from dropping out of high school.
From the beginning, the program has exceeded all expectations. During the 2024–2025 academic year, Edu-Futuro’s outreach team worked closely with FCPS administrators, teachers, and counselors in 15 schools to engage approximately 304 students. Remarkably, 248 of the youth referred by FCPS demonstrated consistent classroom attendance by the end of the year. In the first quarter of the 2025–2026 school year (through September 29), our team has connected with 181 students, with almost 90% already demonstrating strong signs of consistent classroom attendance. In Arlington, CAP is currently supporting 80 youth, with 75% showing measurable gains in attendance and academic engagement.
“Our outreach teams in Fairfax and Arlington have done an outstanding job connecting with students and their families,” said Edu-Futuro Executive Director, Jorge Figueredo. “Through their hard work, we have consistently found that English Learner and Latino youth do not want to miss class or leave school. Very often they find themselves in extremely difficult situations, and they don’t know who to turn to for help. In the past, for example, we have worked with students coping with sudden homelessness or a parent’s cancer diagnosis. When we understand the root of the absenteeism problem, both the school system and Edu-Futuro are in a much stronger position to respond effectively and support our families.”
Since its inception in 2021, community response for the Chronic Absenteeism Program has been overwhelmingly positive. Schools continue to refer families to the program after seeing real results, and as we build trust within each school community, more parents become aware of and engaged with our services. “Every day a student attends school is a step toward their future,” said Beatriz Gutiérrez, Parent & Student Outreach Team Lead. “Immigrant parents make enormous sacrifices to give their children a chance for a better life. Our hope is that, through CAP, we are not just addressing absenteeism but transforming lives.”
For more information about Edu-Futuro’s Chronic Absenteeism Program (CAP), please contact our Parent & Student Outreach Team Lead, Beatriz Gutiérrez, at bgutierrez@edu-futuro.org.
Changing Lives Through Education:
Two Edu-Futuro GED Testimonies
Launched in 2023, Edu-Futuro’s year-round GED Certification Program is a comprehensive course that helps beneficiaries earn the equivalent of a high school diploma through four quarterly modules: Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, and Sciences. Students in our GED program are typically adults working to improve their income potential and achieve personal educational goals. On September 12, 2025, we were honored to receive national recognition for our program in the highly respected InSession Educator Newsletter, published by the GED Testing Service, which highlighted our accomplishments as follows:
“In the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, Edu-Futuro has become a beacon of hope, dedicated to empowering the next generation of young people and their families. The program works to close the educational and economic gap, offering a wide range of programs that include leadership, robotics, parent training, workforce development, GED preparation, and university guidance. The recent GED graduation day was a clear testament to their students’ commitment. For an entire year, they proved that it is possible to balance their personal lives, work, and studies. Congratulations to their graduates!”
Currently, we have 104 participants enrolled in our GED program, and we continue to be inspired by their perseverance and determination. This month, we are proud to share the stories of two recent graduates, who not only earned their GED certificates, but are now courageously pursuing new opportunities for themselves and their families:
Martha Ramos — “My name is Martha Ramos, I’m 40 years old, originally from El Salvador, and I’m a proud mother of three teenagers. Ever since I arrived in the U.S. at 17, I’ve dreamed of finishing high school, but between family responsibilities and work, that dream kept getting postponed. It wasn’t until a friend told me about Edu-Futuro’s GED program that I saw a real opportunity. The fact that the classes were offered in a hybrid format and designed for busy parents like me made all the difference. It finally felt possible to pursue what I had been putting off for so long.
“I wanted to take the GED because I realized how hard it is to move forward in this country without a high school diploma. I wanted to continue my education, to stay informed, to give back to my community, and someday, to go to college and become a counselor.
“Meeting other parents in the same situation, and being constantly encouraged by the Edu-Futuro staff, kept me going. For me, this wasn’t just about getting a diploma, it was about reaching a personal milestone that had been in my heart for years.
“During the program, I discovered that I really enjoyed Language Arts and Social Studies. Math, on the other hand, was a big challenge. But I never gave up. I balanced my family responsibilities with studying, used practice tests, and leaned on the guidance of my instructor, Mildrek Bastidas. Her support and the support of my family helped me push through, even when things felt difficult. The classes were engaging, welcoming, and made me feel like I belonged.
“On June 7, 2025, I graduated with my GED. That moment changed my life. I feel more confident, more hopeful, and more ready for the future. Now, I’m preparing to take English classes and even thinking about college-level courses. To anyone considering the GED, I want to say: ‘With God, everything is possible — even math! I surprised myself by passing the test. This program didn’t just open doors for me, it helped me grow as a person, inspired my children, and reminded me that it’s never too late to follow your dreams.”
Olga Yanet Jiménez — “My name is Olga Yanet Jiménez. I’m 45 years old and originally from Mexico. I’m a mother of three, and like many others, I’ve always wanted to finish high school. Back in Mexico, I couldn’t afford it, and for many years, that goal stayed out of reach.
“While I was taking English classes at my son’s church, a friend told me about Edu-Futuro’s GED program. It caught my attention right away, especially because the classes were flexible enough to do from home, and were completely free. It felt like the opportunity I had been waiting for to continue my education while still taking care of my family.
“I decided to take the GED as a personal challenge, but also as a way to open new doors for myself. I’ve always dreamed of going to college and possibly working in teaching or nursing. I knew that having my GED would give me access to better job opportunities and help me grow personally and professionally.
“The classes were something I really enjoyed. I appreciated my instructors and classmates so much. Even though the exams were tough and I often felt nervous, my husband’s support and the encouragement I received from my teachers helped me keep going. I also felt a strong sense of connection and community, even in the virtual classes, which made a big difference.
With a lot of dedication, studying, and support, I graduated in December 2024. That moment meant so much to me. It was a goal I had waited years to reach, and I finally did it. Earning my GED gave me confidence and reminded me that I am capable of achieving more.
“Now, I’m actively looking for work and preparing to take college-level classes. I feel proud, motivated, and excited for what’s next. As I reflect on my journey, I want to share this: ‘For me, the GED was an amazing experience. I had always wanted to do it, and I am very grateful to Edu-Futuro and the teachers for giving their time and support to people like me who don’t have these studies. If you’re thinking about it, go for it — it’s a great opportunity. Never give up. This experience has empowered me to continue growing as a person, a learner, and a professional.”
For more information on Edu-Futuro’s GED Certification Program, please contact our Workforce Development Team Lead, Joceline Briceño, at workforce@edu-futuro.org.
Edu-Futuro Encourages Civic Engagement For November Elections in Virginia
In preparation for the November 4 Virginia elections, Edu-Futuro has been working to inform and empower Latino families through social media and the organization’s Emmy award-winning public service television series, Línea Directa. The purpose of the communications campaign has been to encourage participation in the democratic process by providing thousands of households with clear, concrete information about voter registration, the importance of the Latino vote, and how government decisions impact the lives of immigrant families.
For more than 35 years, Línea Directa has been a trusted source of information for Latino families across the Washington region. The series has become one of the longest-running public service programs in the nation, and since its inception, the show has focused on providing Latino families with important information on public health, education, legal, and social service issues.
Airing on Saturday mornings, at 11:00 a.m., on the popular local station, Telemundo 44, Línea Directa has produced and broadcast three programs on the Virginia elections. Each program has featured an interview with a Northern Virginia Latino leader who offered a unique perspective on the importance of civic participation and the potential impact of the Latino vote. In the first program, City of Alexandria Councilmember, Canek Aguirre, highlighted the challenges faced by his constituents, and urged Latino families to participate in the upcoming elections in order to protect and strengthen their communities.
In the second program, former State Delegate and current candidate for the General Assembly, Elizabeth Guzmán, emphasized the importance of the Latino vote in shaping policies that affect education, healthcare, and economic opportunity. The third program featured Carla Bustillos, co-founder of the nonprofit civic engagement organization, Juntos, who explained how the decisions made by the Governor of the Commonwealth and the votes taken in the General Assembly affect the daily lives of immigrant families.
In addition to the Línea Directa television programs, Edu-Futuro has written and produced three social media public service announcements (PSAs), focusing on voter registration, the importance of voting, and the vital role played by Latina voters. The 40-second messages were produced thanks to support from the Virginia Coalition for Immigrant Rights (VACIR), and are being distributed through Edu-Futuro’s social media network, which includes more than 6,000 Facebook followers and an active WhatsApp community of over 2,000 individuals.
By combining television programs with social media PSAs, Edu-Futuro is helping to ensure that Latino families in Virginia are informed, empowered, and prepared to participate in the democratic process. For more information about Línea Directa, please contact our Communications & Programs Manager, Eduardo López, at eduardo@edu-futuro.org.
Edu-Futuro Community Corner: Celebrating Our School Partners
In order to serve our students and parents, Edu-Futuro staff depend on the invaluable partnership and support of Family Liaison Representatives and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinators at each of our partner schools in Fairfax, Arlington, Prince William, and the City of Alexandria. These dedicated individuals serve as vital bridges between Edu-Futuro and our school communities, helping us connect with students and families who can most benefit from our programs. Their commitment, communication, and coordination ensure that our services reach those who need them most. Whether through referrals, outreach, or ongoing collaboration, Family Liaisons and Coordinators play a crucial role in helping us advance our mission. This is our space to recognize the essential contributions of our school partners. Today, we highlight the outstanding work of Timothy Cotman, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator at Wakefield High School in Arlington County.
“I have worked closely with Edu-Futuro over the past 10 years or so in my role as Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator for Arlington Public Schools,” Mr. Cotman shared. “When I came to Wakefield High School in 2019, I began working to recruit students for Emerging Leaders Program I and II. Eventually, I sat down with Patrick Edmondson and we came up with a plan of action to get the word out to students. The plan includes having an information table in town hall during all lunches periodically, having a table at our annual activities fair, visiting classes to speak with students and having our principal, Mr. Balas, send out information to all families through Parent Square. We also invited students who had participated in ELP I and II to share their experiences with other students. There has been a strong cohort of students each session at Wakefield and I believe it has been due to our collaborative efforts in recruiting.”
According to Edu-Futuro’s Youth Programs Team Lead, Susana Carpio, Mr. Cotman has been absolutely essential to the work of our Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) for youth. “Timothy Cotman has been a valuable ally to Edu-Futuro over the past several years. He is deeply committed to supporting Wakefield students and closing the information gap that often limits their opportunities,” said Susana. “Through his guidance, students gain access to the resources they need to thrive and achieve their academic and personal goals. Tim consistently motivates students with his optimism, positive energy, and unwavering belief in their potential. Our strong partnership, through the ELP-I and ELP-II programs, continues to provide Wakefield students with additional support to graduate high school, gain admission to four-year colleges, and access scholarships that make higher education more attainable. We are deeply grateful for dedicated partners like Tim Cotman, who share Edu-Futuro’s passion for empowering students and helping them build brighter futures.”
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.
AmeriCorps/VISTA Corner – Berta Salinas
This year, Edu-Futuro has been receiving 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 and VISTAS. Today we feature AmeriCorps member, Berta Salinas:
“My name is Berta Salinas, and I currently serve as an AmeriCorps member in the Parent Empowerment Programs at Edu-Futuro. My journey with Edu-Futuro began not as a staff member, but as a mother participating in one of the programs offered through local schools. That experience helped me connect deeply with the organization, and its mission to empower Latino and immigrant families through education and leadership development.
“Later on, I was invited to volunteer with Edu-Futuro — a step that eventually led me to enroll as an AmeriCorps member. Since then, I’ve grown both personally and professionally through my service. I’ve enjoyed the work so much that I’m now proudly serving my fourth term, and I continue to feel passionate about giving back to the community that once supported me. Service brings me a great sense of fulfillment. That’s why, five years ago, I also began volunteering with AFAC (Arlington Food Assistance Center), where I help fight food insecurity in my community. Earlier this year, I was honored to receive their Volunteer of the Year award — an incredibly meaningful recognition of work I truly love doing.
“Being part of AmeriCorps and Edu-Futuro has not only allowed me to serve, but also to grow as a leader, parent, and community member. I look forward to continuing this journey of service and impact.”
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.
AmeriCorps In Action: Prepared Together Community Event
Part of a national 9/11 Day of Service initiative aimed at turning remembrance into action through meaningful community service, Edu-Futuro’s AmeriCorps program organized a powerful community event on Saturday, September 27, 2025, titled, Prepared Together: Emergency Kits for Community Resilience. Held at the William Ramsay Recreation Center in Alexandria, Virginia, the public service project brought together AmeriCorps members, volunteers, and community partners to support vulnerable residents by assembling and distributing more than 300 emergency preparedness kits to individuals and families who are most at-risk during natural disasters, particularly senior citizens, low-income families, and other underserved populations across Northern Virginia.
In the days leading up to the Day of Service event, AmeriCorps members gathered at Edu-Futuro’s Tysons Corner office to assemble the emergency kits, bringing the entire team together in a shared effort to support neighbors in need. Each kit was carefully prepared to include essentials like flashlights, first aid supplies, bottled water, face masks, personal hygiene items, and non-perishable snacks. These kits were designed to offer a sense of readiness and peace of mind in the face of emergencies.
The Kits for Community Resilience initiative was made possible through a strong collaboration between Edu-Futuro and key partners, including: Alive! (Neighbors Helping Neighbors), an Alexandria nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing food and housing insecurity; the City of Alexandria’s Office of Emergency Management; and the supermarket chain, Wegmans. Each partner brought essential resources and support to the effort. Alive! helped identify residents in need and assisted with outreach and logistics. The Office of Emergency Management provided preparedness information and materials to include in the kits, and Wegmans generously contributed a gift card to support the purchase of supplies.
The choice to hold this event in late September was intentional. The date served as a tribute to the lives lost on September 11, while also highlighting the enduring values of service, resilience, and community care. AmeriCorps members led the project with energy and purpose, using their roles not only to give back to the community, but also to bring people together. As Joy Harvey, Edu-Futuro’s AmeriCorps Program Coordinator, said, “Through this 9/11 Day of Service project, we came together as a community to honor the spirit of service and resilience.”
Overall, Prepared Together was about more than just handing out emergency kits; the event was a demonstration of care, connection, and teamwork. The public service effort reflected Edu-Futuro’s mission to empower underserved populations, and emphasized the reality that emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility. With the combined efforts of AmeriCorps members and community partners, over 300 vulnerable households now have the resources and support to face unexpected situations with confidence.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.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with
Colada Shop Cuban Café
To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, Colada Shop, a beloved local Cuban café chain with locations across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Northern Virginia, launched a month-long initiative to support and uplift the community. Each week, the cafés partnered with a different local nonprofit organization, donating 10% of their weekly proceeds and hosting a happy hour at one of their locations. The goal was simple, yet meaningful: to create a space where people could come together, enjoy good food and conversation, and give back in the community.
Edu-Futuro was proud to be the first nonprofit partner featured in this year’s celebration. Our happy hour took place on Thursday, September 18, at Colada Shop’s Clarendon location. As music played and the aroma of Cuban coffee and empanadas filled the air, the setting offered a warm and welcoming environment that reflected the spirit of both Colada Shop and our organization.
The evening was cozy and relaxed, offering a wonderful opportunity to connect with some of our volunteers, alumni, and community partners. The evening event gave us a chance to pause, reflect, and simply enjoy being together outside of our usual workday activities. Conversations flowed easily over drinks and snacks, and the easygoing atmosphere reminded us how important these informal moments are in building deeper relationships and a sense of belonging within the community.
We’re deeply grateful to Colada Shop for their generosity and for using their platform to highlight local nonprofit organizations throughout Hispanic Heritage Month. Their commitment to community—expressed through both action and atmosphere—made the evening truly special. We look forward to future opportunities to collaborate and continue strengthening the bonds that make our region so vibrant and diverse.
Financial Tip
Know Your Rights: How to Use the National Do Not Call Registry Wisely
Unwanted sales calls — especially “robocalls” — are among the most frequent consumer complaints. The National Do Not Call Registry, managed by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), gives consumers an important tool to reduce legitimate telemarketing calls. However, many people don’t know its limits or how to use the service properly. Below is a guide to your rights, how to register, and what to do when violations happen.
What the Do Not Call Registry Is (and Isn’t)
- The Registry allows you to register your home or mobile phone number for free. Once registered, telemarketers who follow the law are required not to call that number for sales or solicitations.
- But note: The National Do Not Call Registry does not block all calls. Scammers and “bad actors” may ignore the system. The Registry doesn’t prevent illegal robocalls or calls from parties that are exempt by law.
- The Registry covers telemarketing sales calls (live or prerecorded) across interstate calls. It does not cover all types of calls: calls from charities, political campaigns, telephone surveyors, or companies with which you have an existing business relationship are often exempt.
How to Register Your Number
- Visit DoNotCall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222 (TTY: 1-866-290-4236).
- If registering online, you’ll receive an email with a link. You must click that link within 72 hours to complete registration.
- Your phone number should appear on the Registry the next day, but it can take up to 31 days for calls to stop.
- The registration does not expire unless your number becomes disconnected and reassigned.
What Telemarketers Must Do (and What You Can Expect)
- Telemarketers are required to update their call lists every 31 days and remove numbers on the Registry.
- If a business has an “established business relationship” with you (you’ve purchased something, made an inquiry, or had prior dealings), they may legally call you even if your number is on the Registry, under certain conditions.
- If you have given written permission to receive sales calls from a specific entity, they may still call you unless you revoke that consent.
- Under the Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR), telemarketers must comply with Do Not Call provisions, including not calling numbers on the Registry without permission, respecting consumer opt-outs, and avoiding abusive practices.
What to Do If You’re Violated
- If a telemarketer calls you after you’ve registered, you can file a complaint with the FTC.
- The FTC reports and tracks complaints to spot patterns and enforce violations.
- Recently, an appeals court ordered a reassessment of a $29 million penalty imposed on a telemarketing firm that violated Do Not Call laws, showing continued legal pressure on violators.
Tips to Strengthen Your Protection
- Use call-blocking and call-labeling tools offered by your phone carrier or third-party apps. These can filter or block suspected spam or robocalls.
- If you must speak with a telemarketer, clearly state your request in writing (if possible) that they must not call you again — and keep a record (date, time, name).
- Be cautious with giving out your number in forms or giveaways — read privacy policies and check for opt-out boxes.
- Know your state’s own “Do Not Call” laws, as they may offer additional protections beyond the federal Registry.
By understanding and using the National Do Not Call Registry effectively, you help protect yourself and your loved ones from unwanted calls and scams. The Registry is not a perfect tool, but when combined with vigilance and complaint reporting, the service can make a significant difference in reducing harassment from telemarketers.
Health & Wellness
HHS Releases New Youth Vaping Resources for Parents
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has just released important materials highlighting the dangers of youth e-cigarette use, providing a timely reminder to parents about the risks faced by adolescents across the country. On September 15, 2025, the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General issued the Youth Vaping Resource Guide, while the Make America Healthy Again Commission report, released simultaneously, called attention to the ongoing public health crisis posed by teen vaping. These releases underscore the need for increased public education and stronger enforcement against illegal e-cigarette products.
E-cigarettes remain the most commonly used tobacco product among U.S. youth. According to the HHS report, over 1.6 million adolescents reported current e-cigarette use in 2024. Flavored products play a key role in driving youth interest: nearly nine out of ten young users report using flavored e-cigarettes, including fruit, candy, and mint varieties. Disposable e-cigarettes have become especially popular, often containing nicotine levels high enough to foster addiction and negatively impact brain development in adolescents.
These statistics make it clear that parents cannot afford to ignore the risks. E-cigarette use can affect attention, learning, and impulse control, and early nicotine exposure may increase the likelihood of future substance use.
The Youth Vaping Resource Guide is designed to help parents, educators, and community leaders understand the scope of the problem and take actionable steps to prevent youth vaping. The guide emphasizes open communication between parents and children, practical strategies for monitoring behavior, and resources for intervention when use is suspected. The guide also provides tips on understanding product labeling, identifying signs of use, and discussing peer pressure and marketing tactics targeted at teens.
Through the new materials, HHS encourages parents to be proactive and engaged. Some key strategies include:
- Stay Informed: Learn about the latest trends in e-cigarettes and discuss these with your children. Reliable sources include the Youth Vaping Resource Guide and other HHS materials.
- Set Clear Rules: Establish firm expectations regarding nicotine and tobacco use, and communicate the consequences of violating these rules.
- Promote Healthy Activities: Encourage participation in sports, hobbies, and social activities that do not involve substance use.
- Model Healthy Choices: Children often emulate adult behavior; demonstrating healthy habits reinforces positive decision-making.
- Seek Support: If you suspect your child is using e-cigarettes, consult a healthcare professional or counselor trained in adolescent health.
Preventing youth vaping requires a broader community effort. Schools, local health organizations, and policymakers play critical roles in raising awareness, providing resources, and enforcing laws against the sale of e-cigarettes to minors. Parents can partner with these groups to ensure that prevention messages reach teens effectively and consistently.
The recent release of the HHS Youth Vaping Resource Guide offers parents a critical tool to protect their children. By staying informed, maintaining open dialogue, and leveraging community resources, families can reduce the risks associated with youth e-cigarette use. Early intervention, education, and vigilance remain key in ensuring that adolescents make safe, informed choices about their health.
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.