Futures for Children

Mission: Improving the quality of education for American Indian children through mentoring and training.

The 2000 US Census reports 2.4 million American Indians live in the US. Based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Futures for Children is in close proximity to the American Indian schools and communities it serves. FFC provides services to Indian children living on Pueblo, Navajo and Hopi reservations spread across New Mexico and Arizona. A network of 200 volunteers, who live in these communities, help Futures staff to monitor approximately 1800 children in 95 schools and communities. The FFC Program, Circles of Support, uses a self-help approach and supports American Indian students in their quest to stay in school, graduate from high school, enroll in and complete postsecondary education. ...In the First Circle of Support, Friendship/Mentorship, individuals and families outside the reservation provide students with vitally needed one-to-one mentorship and encouragement to stay in school and succeed academically. ...In the Second Circle, Youth Leadership, American Indian student leadership skills are strengthened through an inventive curriculum designed to develop networks, strategies and action plans that maximize community involvement and result in community projects. ...The Third Circle, Familes in Action, strengthens American Indian children's primary support systems through increased involvement of parents and families in their children's academic studies and pursuits. The support from their family and community positively impacts student life choices and chances for success, building overall community capacity.