Since 2006, Edu-Futuro's Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) has empowered Latino and other underrepresented youth from the Greater DC region through a college prep, leadership, and mentoring curriculum. Youth are prepared and inspired to pursue a college education-often as the first in their family-and become civically engaged leaders. Results show that 85% of youth increase their leadership skills, knowledge of the college application process, and 85% of high school seniors enroll in college.
Too many Latino youth are not graduating on time in school districts found across the Greater DC region. While many of the youth we serve identify with the risk factors of dropping out of school, the good news is that other risk factors (e.g., lack of social competence, problem-solving skills, autonomy, a sense of purpose) ARE alterable, and when addressed, can create resiliency in a student. Edu-Futuro empowers youth with the resources and support needed to stay on the college track.
ELP shapes Latino leaders through year-round leadership development and college preparation workshops that offer youth important information and support as they take the necessary steps on their path to a college education. On this journey, youth are paired with adult mentors who provide guidance in the college application process and insights into college life. Youth also participate in college field trips and learn the importance of giving back to their community through service projects.
The project will ensure 150 students (8th through 12th grades) graduate from high school and enroll in college as a result of improved leadership and public speaking skills, and knowledge of and support in the college application process. Youth attend schools in the Greater DC region and most qualify for free or reduced price lunch. Most youth-90%-are of Latino heritage, while youth from other minority groups also join and are embraced by our caring community of mentors and youth advocates.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
