¡Jóvenes Adelante! (Youth Go Forward!) provides university scholarships to exceptionally promising, economically-disadvantaged students from the cities of San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato, Mexico, as well as surrounding communities. Many are from struggling families in ‘el campo” where, even for the most promising young people, the pursuit of a university degree and a professional career is rarely even a dream, let alone a realistic options

Through a rigorous screening process the brightest and most financially challenged students are identified and interviewed, once in a neutral environment and then, a second time in their homes where the level of economic need and family support is assessed.

Students selected for scholarships (becas) receive financial support for up to five years (depending on the duration of their degree programs). In addition to receiving financial assistance, students:

• are paired with mentors for guidance and friendship,
• attend no-cost English classes taught by qualified volunteers (as English proficiency is key to professional success), and
• participate in monthly meetings where useful and a programs are presented and where lifelong friendships and networking opportunities are built.

When students succeed (and they do succeed against all odds), not only do they realize personal satisfaction and a viable career in Mexico, but the quality of life of their proud families and communities is greatly enriched.

Consider joining others who are contributing tax deductable donations to support the university education of deserving students. There could be no more rewarding way to participate personally in a process that will make you part of a life, a family and communities moving forward. Please sponsor a student, make a smaller donation, or let us know if you interested in working with us for the future of these students.

News & Features

a Jóvenes Adelante Benefit

Miss Margaridas's Way

Teatro Santa Ana, Biblioteca,

July 28 - August 1

7:30pm - Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat

5pm - Sun

For the fifth year, Camino Real Productions, under the directorship of Linda McAlister, is bringing a summer production to San Miguel, and this year we will be the beneficiaries. The play is "Miss Margarida's Way", a very funny and sometimes crude and shocking one woman tour-de-force about an out-of-control school teacher and her hapless eighth-grade biology students.

• It Began with a Pair of Shoes: Very simply, it began with a pair of shoes," Virginia Wheelwright said with a no-nonsense smile. She was explaining how Jóvenes Adelante got started ten years ago.  "A local boy had received a scholarship to a local university, but he had no shoes. So my friend Helen Morris took him down to the shoe store.

• One of Jóvenes Adelante’s ‘Bright Lights’: Juan Martin Trujillo Garcia is “a serious young man, and a self-proclaimed feminist,” according to Past President of Jóvenes Adelante Virginia Wheelwright, who recalls that when he first applied for a JA scholarship, “Juan Martin simply explained that he planned to pursue a degree in political science and public administration because he was determined to develop government programs in Mexico to help single mothers, like his own.

• Guanajuato Branch Opens: What started with a handful of expat Unitarian Universalists and four students has mushroomed to a 150-member strong organization supporting 75 students. Now a new branch has opened in Guanajuato.

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