Jóvenes Adelante Enters a New Frontier: Master’s Degrees for JA Graduates

“Immuno-biology is a fascinating and captivating field, and every day I become more convinced that I made the right decision to embark on this Post Graduate journey…Although the academic demands have been high, I feel fortunate to have the time and resources necessary to fully dedicate myself to my studies. Both financially and educationally, I have been solidly supported, which has facilitated my immersion in this academic stage…I am infinitely grateful for your support in continuing to build my professional project.”

 – Juan Pablo Molina, Jovenes Adelante Graduate (2023), Prestigious CONAHCYT Award Winner For Graduate Studies

As we move into 2024, Jóvenes Adelante is now shifting into a “higher gear.” JA is strengthening its programs to meet the rapidly growing needs for a long term shift in the Mexican economic, educational and labor landscape as a key partner of a North American economic and academic powerhouse. We are building alliances with key universities, private employment banks, government and local companies, all to provide greater ongoing support to our 137 current students, to our steadily growing network of graduates (274!), and our prospective new incoming class of 2024.

Between January 8th and January 26th, Jóvenes Adelante expects to be flooded with new applicants seeking our support in 2024. They will come from San Miguel, Dolores Hidalgo, and Comonfort. They will range from applicants just coming out of high school to proven students with only 2 years left in university (JA has decided that many of these 2 year remaining students deserve to make it to the finish line, and we can help!) (Click here to see the call)

From hundreds of applicants, we will select those with the most promising futures; those willing to reach beyond their current circumstance to imagine the impact they can make if they can get the support they need to make it. No one does it alone. What these high-potential students lack to change the future, is privilege.

Some like Juan Pablo, clearly already imagine their impact! When skill and ambition come face to face with a crux opportunity, those who are well positioned to take advantage are the ones who can go for it!  And, when that moment comes, it can require some extra support. Brilliant successes like Juan Pablo still need JA’s financial and other support to pursue advanced postgraduate degrees, even if, as in his case, only for a bridge period.

Juan Pablo Video: (Click here)

So in addition to our usual cohort of new college students, we see an increasing need for specialization to realize full potential, whether that means graduate school or, particularly in the medical field, extended studies. So in 2024, following a small 1 year pilot program, JA will expand our current support for at least 5 more JA Master’s students (all JA licenciatura/bachelor’s graduates.) We will also support medical school graduates with exam preparation costs for their advanced specialized studies.

Last year, JA admitted its largest new class ever – 40! This year, we do not know the numbers yet, but it will be a combination of our usual 4-5 year students, 2 year master’s students, and 2 year finish line students! That is where we all come in. There are so many ways to support our students now! Investing in education is a long game that addresses the big picture. Jóvenes Adelante finds and invests in university education for students with high-impact potential, but lacking the privilege needed to unlock it. We are setting high expectations not only for our incoming class of 2024, but for the classes of 2025 and 2026.