Episode 37 | Education as Community | Alejandro Garcia, Founder & Exec Director, Monica Santos, Manager of Ops, Advancing Students Forward

In this episode of "Live Local, Give Local" listeners enjoy a great conversation between Dave Mason, the Host, this episode's co-host, Alex White, Alejandro Garcia the founder and executive director of Advancing Students Forward, and Monica the manager of operations of Advancing Students Forward.

ASF, also known as "Su Futuro," works on both sides of the US-Mexico border, primarily in Tijuana's Colonia Tecolote community. The organization aims to provide access to education and academic support for students, as 50% of students in Mexico do not continue their education after 6th grade due to financial constraints.

Listen to discussions on ongoing learning and improvement, as well as the challenges faced by middle school students and the importance of showing them that someone cares about their education. ASF accompanies students from 7th grade to university, offering various services such as workshops, academic programs, career preparation, and enrichment activities. They focus on creating a sense of community and belonging for students who are often the first in their families to pursue higher education.

ASF also collaborates with Waste for Life and the University of San Diego on an upcycling project that teaches students to repurpose waste materials and create useful products. The program is flexible and accommodates students' different schedules, providing them with valuable skills and inspiration.

Through San Diego Gives, ASF has found collaboration and support from other nonprofits in the community, reinforcing the importance of their work. Hear Monica talk about the significance of caring for the students and creating a sense of belonging as key elements in their success.
For more information on the many services of San Diego Gives, please visit www.SanDiegoGives.org.