Our Nonprofit Organization
Mission
The mission of Advancing Students Forward is to provide underserved students access to education and support for academic success so that they can create a promising future for themselves and for the community in which they live. ASF is a binational nonprofit, supporting students in Tijuana, Mexico and promoting cross cultural and educational exchanges between students on both sides of the border.
Why is there a need for ASF?
In Mexico 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. In addition, 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 increase the financial burden and parents are hesitant to send their children alone on public transportation a significant distance away from home.
History
1984
Organization founded by Monica Santos with support from the Augustinian priest Father John Blethen, OSA (Order of Saint Augustine) who administered the orphanage.
2001
ASF benefactor Derwin Archambault III “Archie” donated 1/2 of his estate upon his passing.
2006
A Su Futuro, the Mexican counterpart of Advancing Students Forward becomes a recognized charity by the Mexican government.
2010
ASF recognized with an award recognizing the positive impact on youth in Tijuana.
2012
ASF renamed Advancing Students Forward.
2019
ASF is the recipient of a transformational gift from Emmaus Today, Inc. and opens its first office.
Mission
The mission of Advancing Students Forward is to provide underserved students access to education and support for academic success so that they can create a promising future for themselves and for the community in which they live. ASF is a binational nonprofit, supporting students in Tijuana, Mexico and promoting cross cultural and educational exchanges between students on both sides of the border.
Why is there a need for ASF?
In Mexico 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. In addition, 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 increase the financial burden and parents are hesitant to send their children alone on public transportation a significant distance away from home.
History
1984
Organization founded by Monica Santos with support from the Augustinian priest Father John Blethen, OSA (Order of Saint Augustine) who administered the orphanage.
2001
ASF benefactor Derwin Archambault III “Archie” donated 1/2 of his estate upon his passing.
2006
A Su Futuro, the Mexican counterpart of Advancing Students Forward becomes a recognized charity by the Mexican government.
2010
ASF recognized with an award recognizing the positive impact on youth in Tijuana.
2012
ASF renamed Advancing Students Forward.
2019
ASF is the recipient of a transformational gift from Emmaus Today, Inc. and opens its first office.
Story
Advancing Students Forward (ASF) was founded in 1984 by Monica Santos who began volunteering at an orphanage on the outskirts of Tijuana, Mexico while a college student at Loyola Marymount University.
According to Mexicanos Primeros, only 62% of students reach secondary school and at secondary school, about half of the students drop out. The educational goals of our students are impeded because of poverty, crime and lack of school facilities. The number of students who are longing for an opportunity to go to school is staggering.
To address the disparity in access to education, Monica established the program informally by mentoring one student.
Our first student was given a manual typewriter and completed middle school. The next student became a preschool teacher. As time went on, word of the program spread, donations increased, students from neighboring communities were invited to participate and our organization grew to what it is today. Each year ASF serves around 70 students studying in middle school through the university level. The majority of our students continue in the program for an average of 9 years. ASF also has an active group of alumni who mentor the current participants.
Read More
In the early years the primary goal was for students to complete secondary school (9th grade). Over the years support has grown and students have been given the opportunity to extend their studies. As long as a student continues to fulfill the requirements of the program they may continue participating in ASF.
In 2013, Students brainstormed and created the organization’s logo and the Spanish name for ASF, “A Su Futuro” which means “On to Your Future”. This process enabled the students to “take ownership” and identify in a personal manner with the organization.
Read Less
Story
Advancing Students Forward (ASF) was founded in 1984 by Monica Santos who began volunteering at an orphanage on the outskirts of Tijuana, Mexico while a college student at Loyola Marymount University.
According to Mexicanos Primeros, only 62% of students reach secondary school and at secondary school, about half of the students drop out. The educational goals of our students are impeded because of poverty, crime and lack of school facilities. The number of students who are longing for an opportunity to go to school is staggering.
To address the disparity in access to education, Monica established the program informally by mentoring one student.
Our first student was given a manual typewriter and completed middle school. The next student became a preschool teacher. As time went on, word of the program spread, donations increased, students from neighboring communities were invited to participate and our organization grew to what it is today. Each year ASF serves around 70 students studying in middle school through the university level. The majority of our students continue in the program for an average of 9 years. ASF also has an active group of alumni who mentor the current participants.
Read More
In the early years the primary goal was for students to complete secondary school (9th grade). Over the years support has grown and students have been given the opportunity to extend their studies. As long as a student continues to fulfill the requirements of the program they may continue participating in ASF.
In 2013, Students brainstormed and created the organization’s logo and the Spanish name for ASF, “A Su Futuro” which means “On to Your Future”. This process enabled the students to “take ownership” and identify in a personal manner with the organization.
Read Less
