Jóvenes Adelante Ushers In The 2026 Selection Process While Celebrating 25 Years Of Higher Education Support

By Don Krim

Checking final details of Jóvenes Adelante’s Congress 3.0 - expecting 182 prospective applicants, 92 of their parents, 150 current JA students and graduates, and over 145 supporters - the level of responsibility weighs on me.

Prospective applicants are filled with hope, nervousness, uncertainty. Those graduating high school have a leg up - they’ve already had short interviews in December. They know us - a little. They also know there is more.University applicants looking for support to continue their studies and to achieve success, arrive at the venue - the tech university Instituto Sanmiguelense - blind. They’ve reviewed our requirements and expectations. But the formal application process for them will not begin for two more days.

Parents, most of whom have never been to university, have sacrificed financially for years to approach this moment, yet most lack the experience (and funds) to guide their kids forward - Adelante - from here.

Sadly, without additional support, statistically most of these kids will not make it through university. Only 26% in Mexico do. There is hope! These kids have made it through high school - a major achievement already. They are the success stories (high school graduation rates average 45%.) They also happen to be, as an age group, the future of Mexico. But coming out of a provincial region, many from rural communities in San Miguel, Comonfort, and Dolores Hidalgo, the level of competition they face applying to the Autonomous public universities such as those of Guanajuato, Querétaro, UNAM or further afield (or private,) will be daunting, as will the higher standard once they get in.

Most of those who get into a university will be unhappy with their career choice after a year.

Most do not truly understand their career choice, nor what it really consists of. They will drop out.

This is the reality, pure and simple. Not because these kids don’t have talent and drive, nor intelligence, nor high academic performance - but because they have not had the guidance and support needed, and because they are still young (jóvenes). Those who do choose well, will face increased financial hurdles to reach the finish line - about 2 years into their studies - and struggle or give up.

This is where JA comes in. Yes, our website has resources available on how to choose a career, and a university; yes it offers the hope of future JA financial and other support once admitted to our program. And yes, we are looking for the exceptional, and we help those at the finish line.

But that is not on the minds of most of these kids who come today with, on average, a parent each, on a cold Saturday morning, holding hot cups of coffee, waiting for “doors to open.”

Most see the morning program: “Orientación a convocatoria.”“Will I be able to do this?” They see a workshop “How to tell your video story with a cell phone.” “What is this going to be?” (Insider answer: no more entry essays, too much ChatGPT.)

Parents later attend their own orientation. They want to know more, to know who we are, ever hopeful we can help their kids, and by extension the whole family. Many confess their own doubts about their kid’s readiness - turning to JA for help and guidance - if not this year, for next.

As these 300 bodies circulate the campus, in and out of workshops, 150 of JA’s current students and grads focus on learning that “English is Funny.”

Next, JA sponsors, mentors, English tutors and the public arrive for our 2025 Annual Report presentation, coinciding with our 25th anniversary celebration/reception. The line to register is blocked by hundreds of hungry students munching tacos. (Oops. A memo for next year’s event)

The packed presentation features all of the JA staff and several board members. A celebratory video gives the briefest of our history: from the inspiration of a local kid going to university needing a pair of shoes, to an image scroll of students from 2001 to 2026, including 338 graduates and our current 145 students.

And finally, those grads and students host tables of 10, share a meal and their stories with supporters and even a few applicants. Tears flow. Hopes of the past have been fulfilled...the future unfolding…

Don Krim is the President of Jóvenes Adelante and Development Director. For more information on how to support a 2026 student, he can be reached at donkrim@jovenesadelante.org