Emerging Leaders Receive Technology Scholarships
Back to School! Emerging Leaders Program Opens Registration for Fall 2026
Fall Workforce Development Services Offer Expanded AI-Integrated Programs
New Fall Programs Available for Edu-Futuro Parents
AmeriCorps Corner: A Farewell to Danielle Johnson
Health & Wellness: Vaping and Teen Mental Health: What Parents Should Know
Emerging Leaders Receive Technology Scholarships
For the second consecutive year, Edu-Futuro is proud to celebrate the recipients of the Keys to the Future Technology Scholarship, an initiative founded by Gabriela “Gabby” Coe, a longtime Northrup Grumman systems engineer and Edu-Futuro volunteer. This year, each recipient received $1,500 to purchase a computer or other technology needed for college.
What began with a single scholarship in 2025 has grown to three awards this year, reflecting Gabby’s deepening commitment to investing in the next generation of STEM leaders. For more than a decade, she has also hosted the “Keys to the Future” podcast, which highlights voices and ideas that encourage diverse students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
The scholarship is open to Emerging Leaders Program: ELP-II high school seniors planning to pursue a STEM degree. Applicants were asked to submit a two-page essay describing an experience in which technology played a crucial role in their learning or problem-solving, and explaining how they envision technology will shape their future studies and careers. Nine students submitted essays, which were reviewed by volunteers before the six highest-rated entries were shared with Gabby for the final selection.
The three winners were recognized at Edu-Futuro’s ELP-II graduation ceremony in May, and have since worked with our team to select and purchase the technology that will best support them in college. Medinatu Koroma, who will major in Biology with a Pre-Med concentration at Virginia Tech, put her scholarship toward a new MacBook Pro. Brenda Rosas-Diego, who will major in Biology at Northern Virginia Community College, selected a Lenovo laptop, Apple AirPods, and laptop accessories. Evelin Terrazas, who will major in Biological Sciences at Fordham University, chose an iPad Air, Apple AirPods Max, and iPad accessories.
For the students, the new technology represents more than a collection of devices — the scholarship award offered so generously by Gabby Coe will provide practical tools that will accompany them as they begin the next stage of their education.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to the scholarship sponsors for awarding me the essay scholarship,” shared Medinatu. “Your generous support made it possible for me to purchase the Apple 14-inch Pro laptop for my upcoming studies. By funding this essential device, you have significantly reduced the financial load on my parents. I am truly inspired by your commitment to students’ success and your investment in my future.”
For Gabby, that impact is precisely why supporting these students is so meaningful. “Investing in the next generation is essential,” she said. “The students I meet are intelligent, driven, and often wise beyond their years. I see pieces of my own journey in their stories, their aspirations, challenges, and determination to create a better future. Sponsoring the Keys to the Future Technology Scholarship is my way of investing in their potential, removing one small barrier along their path, and helping them turn their dreams into possibilities.”
To learn more about Edu-Futuro's donation and scholarship opportunities, please visit www.edu-futuro.org or contact Zachary Hoskins, Director of Development, at directorofdevelopment@edu-futuro.org.
Back to School! Emerging Leaders Program Opens Registration for Fall 2026
Edu-Futuro's Emerging Leaders Program: ELP-I is now recruiting high school students for the Fall 2026 sessions, with registration open to students across Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, and the City of Alexandria. Any high school student is eligible to participate, and signing up is simple. Register for ELP-I here.
For students who dream of going to college, but may not know which steps to take to get there, ELP-I can be a true game changer. Each year, the program helps hundreds of students to turn their dreams and ambitions into a concrete plan — while meeting new friends, connecting with supportive mentors, exploring career possibilities, and gaining the knowledge and confidence they need to prepare for college.
Offered to students in grades 9–11, ELP-I is a six-week college readiness workshop series held three times each year, in the fall, spring, and summer. Students learn about the college application process, scholarships and financial aid, while strengthening skills that will serve them through college and beyond. Workshops cover resume preparation, job interviews, networking, financial literacy, public speaking, study skills, and more. Students also visit college campuses and build relationships with peers who share similar goals for their futures.
ELP-I also gives students the opportunity to earn money for college. Each participating high school holds an essay competition during the ELP-I session, with scholarship prizes ranging from $500 to $2,000. Additionally, speech competitions are held in every participating high school, with prizes of $50-$100 gift cards for the winners.
This fall, ELP-I sessions will be offered across participating schools from the end of October through the middle of December. Sessions will be held at more than 10 high schools across the region, with placement determined by registration numbers. The program aims for a minimum of 20 students per school, so early registration is strongly encouraged.
"The program helped me clarify the final view I have before going into college," shared Jeremiah, a student from West Springfield High School. "My favorite part was the career panel as everybody offered great advice on studying, stress, and careers. I would recommend this to my friends."
For Patrick Edmonson, Youth Programs Specialist, the impact of ELP-I extends far beyond the workshops themselves. "I have seen this program change not only the lives of students, but also our volunteers," he shared. "It is a truly special and righteous endeavor."
To register for ELP-I, or to learn more about Edu-Futuro's youth programs, please visit the registration link above or 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 Herb Block Foundation.
Fall Workforce Development Services Offer Expanded AI-Integrated Programs
This fall, Edu-Futuro's Workforce Development Services (WDS) are expanding opportunities for adults across Northern Virginia to gain the digital and professional skills they need to succeed in today's rapidly changing workforce. With an updated curriculum, new community partnerships, and programs offered at schools and community locations throughout the region, WDS is making practical technology and career training more accessible than ever.
This season's schedule is built around three core WDS programs:
- Tech for Parents — Participants develop essential computer and smartphone skills, including hardware and operating system navigation.
- AI for Everyday Success — Our newest workshop series introduces participants to practical applications of artificial intelligence, from searching for jobs and preparing professional materials to improving workplace productivity.
- Resume & Cover Letter Workshops — Participants develop professional job-search materials and strengthen their readiness for job interviews.
Additional programming includes Financial Empowerment, which will be offered as part of this fall’s WDS sessions at Coates Elementary School in Herndon. Other confirmed program sites for WDS this season include Dranesville Elementary School in Herndon, Hayfield Secondary School in Springfield, Wakefield High School in Arlington, and the Alexandria Community Shelter, Charles Duncan Branch Library, and Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library in the City of Alexandria.
One of the most important developments this fall is the integration of artificial intelligence throughout the WDS curriculum. Participants will combine fundamental digital skills with practical AI tools that can help them create resumes, navigate job searches, prepare for interviews, and support small businesses — building skills that are becoming increasingly valuable in today's workplace.
The impact of WDS is best understood through the voices of the families we serve. "For a long time, I was afraid of technology because I did not know how to use it," shared participant Briceyda Zamora Vázquez. "Today, I feel proud and blessed to see everything I have learned. This experience showed me that it is never too late to learn new, positive skills for my children's future and my own."
Another participant, Daysi Fuentes, echoed that sentiment: "Before starting, I had zero knowledge of how to use a computer. This program exceeded my expectations and had a beautiful impact on my family. Now I can better understand and support my children with their activities, while continuing to learn how to use Artificial Intelligence as a valuable tool."
"In Workforce Development Services, our goal is to teach our beneficiaries how to fish rather than just giving them a fish," said Joceline Briceño, Workforce Development Team Lead. "We want them to become self-sufficient and successful in their careers. When parents secure stable incomes, their entire family gains access to better opportunities and a brighter, clearer future."
To register for any of Edu-Futuro's Workforce Development Services programs this fall, please contact Joceline Briceño, Workforce Development Team Lead, at workforce@edu-futuro.org.
New Fall Programs Available for Edu-Futuro Parents
Edu-Futuro's Parent Empowerment Services (PES) team is heading into Fall 2026 with renewed energy, an expanded team, and a strong lineup of programs designed to help parents become more engaged in their children's education while building stronger relationships at home. With several sessions launching in September and October across Northern Virginia, PES is actively recruiting families who are ready to learn, grow, and strengthen the connections that help their children thrive.
This fall, PES will offer two core programs, both conducted in Spanish and running for seven weeks. Participate in my Education (Participa en mi Educación), designed to help parents with children in elementary school navigate the public school system and establish strong communication with teachers and counselors, will begin September 17 at Dranesville Elementary School in Herndon. Families can register for Participate in my Education (Participa en mi Educación) here.
The Strengthening Families Program (SFP 10–14) brings parents and youth ages 10 to 14 together to strengthen communication, build trust, and develop skills for resisting peer pressure and navigating the challenges of adolescence as a family. This fall, the program will be offered at three locations: Luther Jackson Middle School in Falls Church beginning September 22; Lake Braddock Secondary School in Burke beginning September 30; and Stone Middle School in Centreville beginning October 1. Families can register for Strengthening Families here.
The new season also brings exciting growth for the PES team and its programs. Engaged Parents (Padres Comprometidos), which helps parents of middle and high school students navigate the school system, is expanding its curriculum with two new sessions developed in close collaboration with PES facilitators. Six new SFP 10–14 facilitators have completed their certification training and are ready to begin working with families, while a new PES Specialist and AmeriCorps volunteer have joined the team, further expanding Edu-Futuro's capacity to serve families across the region.
At the heart of PES, however, is the transformation that can happen when parents and children are given the tools, guidance, and support to communicate more openly and understand one another better. Beatriz Sandoval Rivas and her daughter Valeria experienced that transformation firsthand after participating in the Strengthening Families Program at Providence Elementary School in Fall 2025.
"What I liked most about the course was all the information they shared with us, the advice on how we can talk to our children to improve our relationship with them, and topics that are difficult to address in the family," Beatriz shared. "The program helped me considerably improve my relationship with my daughter."
Her daughter Valeria saw the difference as well. "Now, with my relationship with my mom, every time we have a problem, we have to have a meeting to discuss what happened and make sure to fix what is within our reach. Now we are a strong family."
Beatriz's message to other families considering the program was simple and direct: "I recommend this program to other parents; it is something that will help them a lot. It will give them ideas about how we can get closer to our children, especially when they are teenagers."
For Natalie Gutiérrez, Parent Support Team Lead, stories like the one offered by Beatriz and Valeria capture what PES is ultimately about. "PES programs mean so much to families who are looking to rebuild or strengthen their most vital connection: their family bond," she said. "Taking just five minutes to truly talk and connect with your child can make a lifelong impact. Our graduates consistently share how these tools and strategies have restored active communication at home, empowering parents to advocate for their children's education, which research shows directly boosts academic success and graduation rates. At its heart, PES creates a deep sense of community and care that starts within the family core."
To learn more about Edu-Futuro's Parent Empowerment Services, or to register for an upcoming session, please contact Natalie Gutiérrez, Parent Support Team Lead, at adultprograms@edu-futuro.org.
AmeriCorps Corner: A Farewell to Danielle Johnson
Edu-Futuro's impact is made possible through the invaluable support of both AmeriCorps State and AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers. Our AmeriCorps State volunteers play a critical role in the lives of our students and parents, serving as facilitators for the Emerging Leaders Program and Workforce Development Services. Meanwhile, our AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers strengthen the organization's capacity through a variety of important projects, from updating our beneficiary database to developing brand-new curricula for students and parents. This section highlights the outstanding contributions of Edu-Futuro's AmeriCorps volunteers.
Today, we say goodbye to Danielle Johnson, Curriculum Design Specialist VISTA, whose year of dedicated service has left a lasting mark on Edu-Futuro's programs, communications, and broader mission. Here are Danielle's parting thoughts:
"My name is Danielle Johnson, and I have had the invaluable pleasure of working at Edu-Futuro as a Curriculum Design Specialist for the past year. I came to this role because Edu-Futuro's mission was something I really wanted to be a part of, as I deeply value strengthening communities. Prior to this role, I graduated with a bachelor's degree in Mass Communications and a minor in New Media.
"During my time here, I had a hand in many different projects, from creating the AI for Everyday Success course and supporting the development of the new Python and Animation STEM programs to providing long-term communications support, including assistance with the newsletter and process refinement. I was also able to attend many of Edu-Futuro's major events, such as Edu-Family, where I could see the fruits of our labor firsthand.
"An opportunity such as this really helped me feel that I was giving back to the community in a meaningful way. Building materials from the ground up and seeing them put into use has been profoundly rewarding. Being able to contribute to Edu-Futuro's mission of transforming communities alongside some of the most passionate and determined people I have ever met made the experience all the more fulfilling.
"I am grateful to Eduardo López, Communications & Programs Manager and Línea Directa Producer, and Susana Carpio, Youth Programs Team Lead, for their support throughout my time at Edu-Futuro. I am equally grateful to the entire Edu-Futuro staff and, of course, to my fellow AmeriCorps cohort, with whom I have had the privilege of growing side by side in our respective roles and careers. As I begin the next stage of my journey, I will carry the lessons learned and relationships built here with me every step of the way."
For more information on Edu-Futuro's AmeriCorps VISTA program or AmeriCorps State program, please contact Joy Harvey, AmeriCorps Programs Coordinator, at americorps@edu-futuro.org.
Health & Wellness
Vaping and Teen Mental Health:
What Parents Should Know
For many parents, the dangers of teenage vaping may bring to mind nicotine addiction or damage to the lungs, but a growing body of research is drawing attention to another important concern: the strong connection between e-cigarette use and the mental health of adolescents.
A 2025 study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “E-Cigarette Use and Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety Among US Middle and High School Students,” examined data from the 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey. Researchers found that 42.1% of middle and high school students who currently used e-cigarettes reported moderate-to-severe symptoms of depression and anxiety, compared with 21% of students who did not currently vape.
The study also provides important clues about why mental health and vaping may become intertwined. Among young people who vaped and experienced moderate-to-severe depression and anxiety symptoms, 51% said feeling anxious, stressed, or depressed was a reason they currently used e-cigarettes. These students were also more likely to report signs of nicotine dependence: 37.6% experienced strong cravings, and 28.2% wanted to use a tobacco product within 30 minutes of waking.
Another major 2025 study, “Mental Health Outcomes Associated with Electronic Cigarette Use, Combustible Tobacco Use, and Dual Use Among U.S. Adolescents: Insights from the National Youth Tobacco Survey,” examined survey data from more than 60,000 middle and high school students collected between 2021 and 2023.
Published in PLOS Mental Health, the study found significantly higher odds of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress among adolescents who had used e-cigarettes compared with those who had not used tobacco. The association was even stronger among young people who had used both e-cigarettes and combustible tobacco products.
Which Comes First?
These findings raise an important question: Does vaping contribute to mental health problems, or are teenagers struggling with anxiety and depression more likely to begin vaping?
The answer may be both.
The studies do not prove that vaping causes depression or anxiety. Researchers caution that the relationship is complex and can work in both directions. A teenager experiencing stress, anxiety, or depression may turn to vaping in an attempt to feel better. At the same time, nicotine is highly addictive, and dependence and withdrawal can introduce additional problems into a young person's life.
This can create a troubling cycle. A teenager may vape because of stress or anxiety, develop cravings for nicotine, and then experience additional distress when nicotine is unavailable. What began as an attempt to cope can become another source of difficulty.
What Can Parents Do?
For parents, one of the most important lessons from this research may be to look beyond the vaping itself. Discovering that a teenager is using e-cigarettes should certainly lead to a conversation about nicotine and its health effects — but the unfortunate revelation can also be an opportunity to ask how the young person is feeling.
Is your child experiencing unusual stress? Has there been a change in mood, sleep, friendships, or school performance? Is vaping being used as a way to cope with anxiety or difficult emotions?
Parents can approach these conversations with curiosity rather than anger. Asking why a teenager is vaping and listening carefully to the answer may reveal concerns that otherwise would remain hidden. Young people who are struggling to quit may also need professional support rather than simply being told to stop.
There is encouraging news in the CDC study: nearly seven in ten young people who currently vaped reported trying to quit during the previous year. Unfortunately, more than half did not use any resources to help them.
Helping teenagers understand the relationship between nicotine, stress, and mental health — and making sure they know they do not have to manage these challenges alone — can be an important first step toward helping them quit and protecting their long-term well-being.
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.