Advancing Students Forward

Advancing Students Forward (ASF) – also called, A Su Futuro (On to Your Future), in Mexico – is a bi-national, nonprofit organization that serves students living in the predominantly low-economic community of Colonia Tecolote around the border city of Tijuana. In Tijuana, 50% of students do not have the opportunity to continue their education beyond 6th grade. After 6th grade, students are required to pay tuition and have the added costs of school uniforms, books and supplies. Additionally, the number of schools is limited, and many students are forced to travel outside of their community to find a school that has space for them. Transportation costs also increase the financial burden, and many parents are hesitant to send their children alone on public transportation a significant distance away from home. ASF serves 70 students on a yearly basis, starting when students are in 6th grade, all the way to and through university or other post-secondary education programs. Students receive academic support as well as enrichment and life skill training. They also receive a monthly stipend to help with school expenses. Students are required to participate in community service and have the opportunity to work at the community center, i.e., the Centro De Comunidad, where monthly meetings are held.

Read more about Advancing Students Forward here: https://advancingstudentsforward.org/

In November 2019, Camilo Navarro facilitated a social transformation workshop with the broader ASF Community that identified post-graduation jobs/income to be of primary concern and importance. This finding gave a green light to move ahead with a waste-upcycling program, which had the potential to create jobs and financial independence for the students, and engage the entire Colonia Tecolote community in an entrepreneurial venture that could benefit everyone.

Web of Life - Identifying stakeholder inter-connections

Mapping community connections in Colonia Tecolote